19 die as Muslims celebrate Eld-el Kabir

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19 die as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir •Wamakko, Sultan task Nigerians on peaceful coexistence

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, DAYO JOHNSON, WOLE MOSADOMI, DAUD OLATUNJI & ABDALLAH EL-KUREBE No fewer than 19 were killed in two seperate auto-crashes in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during this year’s Sallah celebration. Three people were burnt to ashes yesterday morning in the state capital while 16 others died in a separate multiple crash involving a trailer and a commuter bus at Osin River Community, a suburb of Ilorin at the beginning of the festivity on Wednesday.

Kwara State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Ola Ademoluti,confirmed the incident, saying that the three people were burnt to ashes on Sallah morning in Ilorin.

It was also gathered that a 10-year-old boy survived Wednesday’s crash as he was rescued under the wreckage of the vehicles some hours after the tragic incident.

Witnesses said that the commuter bus was conveying passengers who were returning to Gbadamu-Ologi village in Ilorin East Local Government Area from Oke-Oyi Market where they had gone to shop in preparation for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, pointing out that the accident occurred when the driver of the trailer lost control of the vehicle while descending a slope at high speed.

The eyewitness said that the trailer crushed the commuter bus while maneuvering through the rough part of the spot as it descended the slope.

However, FRSC Commader Adeyemi confirmed that the remains of the victims had been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH, Ilorin.

On the crash involving the petrol tanker, eye witnesses told Saturday Vanguard that brake failure caused the incident as the tanker rammed into the taxi cab around Oke Oyi, near the NNPC depot, which caught fire as the content spilled.

However, reports from across the country showed that there was peaceful

celebration even as the former President Shehu Shagari, Governors Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State and Kashim Shettima, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and Ambassador Shehu Malami, Governors Babatunde Fashola, Mauzu Babangida Aliyu, Ibikunle Amosun and the ACN leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu were among prominent Nigerians who prayed yesterday to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Others included former Minister of Mines and Power, Muhammed Ahmed Gusau and his counterpart in Ministry of Culture, Senator Bello Jibrin Gada.

However, contrary to wide speculations by the Joint Task Force JTF in Maiduguri and Damaturu, the Borno and Yobe state capitals that the Boko Haram sect will launch massive attacks before, during and after the Sallah, there was a peaceful celebration in both states with massive turn out of Muslim faithfuls at their various Eid el Kabir praying grounds.

In some of the praying grounds in Maiduguri and Damaturu cities, it was observed that Muslims performed their prayers without any hitches.

Most of those who went out to pray however, rushed back to their homes soon after, in places like Gomari Airport, Bulumkutu, Polo, Damboa road, Ramat Square among others in Maiduguri. Prayers at Jere local Government Areas of Borno state started at about 8:30am.

Islamic leaders in their messages on the occasion, urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims to pray for peaceful coexistence in the country and the world at large.

In a message signed by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Abubakar Dangusau, Wamakko called on the people to be steadfast in the worship of God. ”The Muslim Ummah should strengthen the ties of kinship and imbibe the spirit of sacrifice which Eid-el-kabir symbolises,” he added.

Also in his own message

delivered in his palace yesterday, by the Magajin garin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, Sultan Abubakar urged Nigerians, especially northerners and their governors, to intensify efforts on total eradication of polio in the country.

He further admonished Muslims to be committed to the payment of Zakkat, stressing that “such monies are used in feeding widows, orphans and the indigent people in the society.”

The Sultan commended Governor Wamakko for building a general hospital in each of the 23 local government Councils of the State.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Elkanemi who paid his Sallah homage to Governor Kashim Shettima at the Government House thanked him for his efforts in uplifting the traditional and religious institutions, even as he prayed Allah to restore peace to the state.

In Minna, the Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu assured that he would continue to run an inclusive, transparent and accountable administration in a bid to ensure a more prosperous state that would be the home of pride, happiness and fulfilment for present and future generations.

According to him, “We pledge our loyalty to a partnership and relationship of mutual respect aimed at facilitating the development of Niger State. We reassure you of our determination to continue to run an inclusive, transparent and accountable administration in our drive towards achieving a more prosperous Niger state that will be a home of pride, happiness and fulfillment for the present and future generations. ”May I use this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerlites and indeed all Nigerians to give peace a chance in the spirit of this season, and to devote this period to extra-ordinary prayers for the peace, security and prosperity of our dear state and nation, rather than engaging in rumour mongering, wishful thinking and politicization of every issue to the

The Deputy Governor of Niger State ,Hon Ahmed Musa Ibeto, the Governor Dr. Mu’Azu Babangida Aliyu, former President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar on their way to the Eid praying ground. detriment of peaceful and harmonious co-existence. ”We should therefore imbibe the lessons of Eidel-Kabir, which reinforce the spirit of kindness, piety, liberation and commitment to duty, as well as the promotion of religious harmony and peaceful co-existence, as we celebrate.’’

He then admonished all those angling for elective and appointive political office in 2015 to leave the race to Allah who is the only one that knows who will become what at any particular time. ”We believe infinitely that Allah’s will on 2015 and indeed every issue will come to pass, we should therefore avoid utterances and actions that will create unnecessary rancor and animosity between us. Let us leave the future to Allah,” he added.

Also in Lagos State, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state and his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu among other clerics asked Nigerians to eschew violence and embrace peace for the development of he country.

Fashola, however, said that the ongoing enforcement of the new road traffic law restricting operation of commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada from the metropolis was not responsible for the traffic gridlock experienced across the state.

They spoke after the rakat prayer at the Dodan Barracks praying ground, Lagos, adding that living in peace and harmony is the key to the country’s

fast prosperity.

Fashola emphasized sacrifice as enjoined by preachers was for everyone to have harmonious peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the sacrifice required from “Nigerians is to continue to coexist in peace, love and tolerance and restrain from our diversity. And when we understand our diversity, really it gives us the strength and harmony with which we can proceed forward as a people.”

Tinubu on his own said, “It’s only under the atmosphere of peace that everyone in this country can prosper and the country can achieve its set goals which will make it ranked among the first 10 countries in the world.”

On the traffic, Fashola explained “What has happened is that there is high movement of people three days before the celebration. This is because people are travelling in and out of the state. Many marketers have imported rice and other foodstuffs required for the celebration. And all these are moved on the same roads and the roads will never expand because of the season. Couple with that, there has been fuel scarcity in the country.

“So motorists have to also queue in different filling stations and restricting other commuters to one lane or no lane. And these were the things that our traffic officers have been managing to ensure that residents of the state have free flow of traffic,” he added.

Speaking in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Alh.

Garba Akinola urged Nigerians to donate relief materials to flood victims, saying “this will help to reduce the plight of the victims and make them celebrate the festival like every other person in the country.”

At Ogun State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun solicited understanding, tolerance and peaceful cohabitation among Nigerians. Amosun, who spoke in Abeokuta shortly after the Eid prayer held at the Lantoro Praying Ground, pointed out that Nigeria could only thrive when all Nigerians eschew violence and embrace peace and unity.He also urged Muslims across the country to emulate the teachings of Prophet Muhammed and Prophet Ibrahim’s total submission to the will of God which led to the festival.

The governor urged Nigerians to steer clear of any act that threatens the unity of the country. He said: “ no state or country will benefit and progress with crisis, we should therefore, eshew violence and embrace peace”. Earlier, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu, who led the Eid prayer, enjoined Muslim faithful and all mankind to fear Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim in the Holy books.Alhaji Orunsolu disclosed that the annual slaughter of rams by Muslims all over the world was not for sacrifice and celebration alone, but for fear of God and utmost respect for human creator.

He added that man, particularly Muslims should not involve in anything that can incur the wrath of God against him.

6— SATURDAY Vanguard, 0CTOBER 27 , 2012

Gov Suntai moved to Abuja Hospital •Jonathan visits Hospital •as Mark, PDP pray

BY HENRY UMORU, with agency report

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RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan yesterday visited the Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, who was involved in a Cesna 208 5N-BMJ plane crash Thursday at the Yola Airport, at the National Hospital in Abuja, describing his condition as stable.

Suntai, was moved from Yola to the National Hospital for adequate medical care.

Jonathan on arrival at the Emergency Ward of the hospital at about 3:15p.m in a BMW car with few security aides and was received by the Chief Medical Director, CMD, Professor Bello Bala Shehu.

Speaking during the visit to Suntai, Jonathan assured curious newsmen that the Governor was in stable health.

He said, “First and foremost I have to thank God for what has happened.

Plane crash is not something you just wave off.

We are quite happy that the governor is stable, I have seen him, doctors are working very hard on him. I believe that God willing, he will come out of it. But he is still in hospital. Being a governor, people are worried.

People want to know his state of health.”

Also fielding questions from newsmen on the condition of the governor, the CMD said, “He is very stable. For the first 24 hours of any injury, there are worries...We will continue to observe him for the first 24 hours. There is no need to do any operation on him. He is very stable. Given what happened, we are very satisfied with the situation at the moment.”

Meanwhile, the Senate President, David Mark , has commiserated with the Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Dan-Fulani Suntai over the injuries he sustained in the crash even as the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP also urged Nigerians to pray for Governor Suntai and

his aides for speedy recovery, according to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metu.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark also urged Nigerians to pray for Suntai for a speedy recovery, even as he expressed shock at the news of the accident.

The party particularly asked its members nationwide to observe prayers tomorrow for his quick recovery pointing out that the fact that Suntai survived such a huge crash, was an indication that God has a greater purpose for his (Suntai) existence and services to his fatherland. ”While praying for their speedy recovery, the party should not to allow the pains of the moment to shake their faith in

God.” However, Mark who sympathized with the government and the people of Taraba State, however urged them to remain calm and prayerful for speedy recovery of their beloved Governor.

According to him, “I received with shock the news of plane crash involving the Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, although, it came with a relief that our brother, Suntai survived the crash and his responding to medical attention. I sincerely sympathize with the families of those that lost their loved ones in the crash and pray God to give them eternal rest. It is quite unfortunate but we cannot question God in any circumstances.”

Senator Mark then urged government functionaries in Taraba State to ensure that no vacuum was created in governance during the little period of Governor Suntai medical treatment while assuring of the National Assembly support at all times.

President Goodluck Jonathan (r) receiving a Sallah greeting card from VicePresident Namadi Sambo, who led muslims residing in the FCT to pay a sallah homage to the president in Abuja on Friday.

Benin CBN staff donates to flood victims

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, Benin

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ELIEF items worth millions of Naira were yesterday donated by staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Benin Branch to the victims of flood disaster at Illeshi Camp, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo state.

Benin Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr. Victor Oligbo who led other staff of the apex bank to the camp, said they were moved by the plights of the victims who had been displaced by the flood disaster.

Among Items donated by the CBN Staff to the Illushi camp situated close to the bank of River Niger included:- mattresses, bags of rice, some kegs of vegetable oil, bags of sachet water as well as some cartons of Indomie.

Receiving the gifts, the Transition Caretaker Committee Chairman of Esan South East Local Government, Mr. Andrew Akhabue commended the staff of CBN, Benin Branch for

being their brother’s keepers, promising that the council would ensure even distribution of the materials to the various camps in the local government area.

Also speaking, the Ebijie of Illushi, HRH Ike Christopher Kebordih thanked the donors for their kind gestures and called on other well spirited members of the society to emulate them.

President Jonathan yesterday visited Abuja hospital where Taraba Gov was moved to. He is seen here during the visit.

Why we want Orashi State — Ezemba

BY ENYIM ENYIM, Onitsha

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ATIONAL Chair man of Orashi State Movement, Mr Mark Ezemba has said that the demand for the new state followed bare- faced marginalisation of the people of the area by fellow Igbo in particular and other Nigerians in general.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Vanguard, Ezemba explained that the proposed state would be made up of people from two ethnic nationalities includ-

ing the Oru people living among the Igbo in Anambra and Imo states of the south east geo - political zone.

Ezemba alleged that both the present and past governors of the two states had been unfair to the Oru people as they had never thought it expedient to give them any political appointment or recommend their qualified sons and daughters for federal appointment. ”We the Oru people have about 72 professors but we are not considered for any political position in either the

five Igbo states or at the federal level. It is only when they have difficult assignments that they would remember people like Justice Chukwudifu Oputa. We want a state of our own so that we can develop our own area,’’ he said.

He categorically denied that the people of the area were agitating for the new state because of allocations from the Federation Account, according to insinuations in some quarters, adding that their demand was based on equity and fair play.

He described as selfish the suggestion by some Igbo leaders and stakeholders that Ndi Igbo should come together and work for the creation of one additional state, saying that the Oru people had not got any state in the country while other Igbo already had five.

While calling on the Igbo people to support the movementforthecreationoftheproposed Orashi State, Ezemba expressedimplicitconfidence in the chairman of the state creationcommitteeheadedby Dr Ofia Nwali.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 7

Muslim Festival: Lagos suspends Environmental Sanitation

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI The usual monthly environmental sanitation exercise will not be observed today in Lagos due mainly to the on-going celebration of the Ileya, muslim festival.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello who made this declaration, in Lagos, said the suspension of this month’s exercise was mainly to allow for hitchfree movement of persons, particularly those willing to travel for the Ileya.

The commissioner noted that, ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’ we cannot but encourage cleanliness in all aspects of human endeavour and

therefore enjoined all and sundry to ensure that the festival is celebrated in the cleanliest environment possible.”

He, however, urged Lagos residents to still clean their homes and immediate environments irrespective of the lifting of the restriction order which is only for the month of October as the monthly cleaning exercise will commence in November.

While wishing Muslim faithful happy celebration,Bello admonished residents to bag their refuse properly to allow for easy collection and disposal to designated dumpsites by LAWMA and PSP Operators.

The commissioner also assured that LAWMA

would deploy men and equipment to ensure quick evacuation of waste generated during the festive period.

Bello also reminded Lagosians that the rains are still here and Lagos as a coastal state is susceptible to flooding. He advised residents in the city to desist from dumping waste into canals and drainages as the consequences of massive flooding being experienced across the nation is enough warning to discourage us from dumping refuse to drains and canals.

He emphasized that the state government remained unwavered in its commitment to a clean and hygienic environment

L-R: Kwara State Governor, Alhaji (Dr) Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Governor, Senator (Dr) Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Acting National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Razak Atunwa, during the Eid-el-Kabir prayer in Ilorin....Friday.

PDP, NURTW clash in Ibadan

By OLA AJAYI, Ibadan IOLENT clash ensued between members of the Nation-

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CAN alerts on looming food shortage

BY FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

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S those affected by the ravaging flood still grapples with the destruction of their farmlands and other personal effects, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State chapter, yesterday charged government at all levels to take appropriate steps towards tackling the looming food shortage in the country.

Chairman of the chapter, Rt. Rev. Diamond Emuobor, who stated this while presenting some food items and other relief materials to flood victims at the Ughelli camp expressed fear that there might be hunger because farmlands have been destroyed.

Similarly, Broadline Construction Company yesterday presented relief materials worth thousands of naira to victims of flood disaster at Cavegina Primary School Camp in Warri. Presenting the items, Managing Director of the Company, Mr Fadi El-Khoury commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the upkeep of the flood victims.

Meanwhile, Levant Construction Limited, a construction firm, donat-

ed relief materials and food items worth millions of naira to flood victims in Burutu, Warri South West and Bomadi Local Government Areas of the State.

General Manager of the company, Mr. Elias Elias while presenting the items at the State Government House Annex, Warri, lamented

that the ravaging flood wreaked havoc in the affected communities.

Also, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, a transport firm, Dominion Express Transport and the National Association of Seadogs, ‘umalokun’ Deck, Ughelli also donated food items and other relief materials worth

millions of naira to the victims of flood disaster in Delta State.

Presenting the items donated by the NDDC at the Oleh camp, the Commissioner representing Delta State on the board of the commission, Chief Solomon Ogba said the donation was meant to alleviate the sufferings of the victims.

al Union of Road Transport Workers {NURTW} and some members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party {PDP} in Ibadan yesterday.

According to sources, the clash occurred in the residence of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola.

PDP members on the entourage of the former Senate leader, Teslim Folarin and Azeem Gbolarunmi, as Saturday Vanguard gathered were in the residence of the business tycoon singing praises of the PDP when Governor Abiola Ajimobi and some members of the NURTW led by their care-

Flood: NIMASA budgets N250million for relief materials

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi HE Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi has disclosed that the agency has set aside over N250million for the procurement of relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons across the country.

Akpobolokemi said that NIMASA was collaborating with federal government to stem future reoccurrence of flood in thecountry.

The NIMASA Director General stated this yesterday while presenting relief materials to the Deputy Governor of Benue state, Chief Steven La-

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wani, for onward distribution to the Internally Displaced Persons in Makurdi. Represented by Mrs. Lilian Nneji, the Director of General disclosed that the agency had already visited ‘Grade A’ categorized states in the flood

desaster, adding that the agency was thinking of ways of handling such a situation in future.

He expressed concern over the fate of the displaced persons, pointing out that their upkeep should be given priority.

He sympathized with the government and people of Benue state over the flood disaster and hinted that the agency would be making a proposal to the National Assembly on the need for the provision of a law on the management of flood in Nigeria.

taker chairman, Taofeek Ayorinde were on seat.

All these, according to source, happened after the Sallah prayers at the Agodi Eid praying ground.

It was further gathered that the leader of the NURTW warned the PDP members to stop singing the offensive song especially in the presence of the governor who is a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria, but his warning was not heeded by the PDP members and this later developed into exchange of punches.

Worried by the development, Alhaji Arisekola had to call the warring mob to order and directed them to leave his house.

Some of them were said to have been injured when the PDP supporters were being beaten.

Ajimobi reportedly frowned at the ugly incident and warned them against taking laws into their hands.

Reacting to the crisis, Folarin said it was not his party members that triggered the violence.

...Dangerous reptiles take over tenancy in Yenagoa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa HE high flood which left about three quarter of the capital city submerged is blamed for the high presence of the reptiles around human settlements.

Though there had been no reported death caused by snake bites, the number of persons treated for

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snake bites in the last three weeks had increased tremendously, it was learnt. In spite of risk posed by the invasion of these reptiles, snake hunters have been making brisk business in the last couple of weeks as the flood sacked thousands of residents from their homes.Only last week, a swamp buggy operator clearing the canal of debris and trapped water

plants narrowly escaped being killed by a giant python at the Opolo suburb of Yenagoa.

The snake was said to have wrapped itself round the swamp buggy cabin trying to reach the terrified operator but could not due to the metal and fibre-glass protection around him before it later disappeared into the canal causing the man to run for his dear life.

”We are living in fear of snake bites. The reptiles are always lurking around homes and some have started to enter houses and putting small children in danger,” lamented John Aziba, a resident of Azikoro.

He urged the state government and the Yenagoa city council to as a matter of urgency fumigate the flooded areas so as to repel the reptiles incursion.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

$180m Halliburton scandal: Jonathan orders Adoke to fish out $26.5m Julius Berger plea bargain money

BY KINSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja FTERMATH of the directive by the Federal Government to the Police to resuscitate the investigative report of the $180million Halliburton scam and America’s insistence that the $26.5million plea bargain money returned by Construction giant, Julius Berger, be located and made available to Police, there is confusion over the whereabouts of the huge amount of money.

Irked by the development, Saturday Vanguard gathered that President Jonathan as directed the Attorney General of the federation, Mr. Adoke to fish out the money and make it available to the Police by next week.

The decision to task the Attorney General with the assignment, according to sources, followed conflicting statements by both Julius Berger, office of the Accountant General of the federation and the Police investigators about the true position of the money. One account said the money was in the possession of the Accountant General of the federation. Another account said the money was being kept in the office of the AGF while the Police said they are at a loss over the money’s whereabouts.

Julius Berger one of the companies indicted in the Halliburton $180 million bribery scandal had opted for a plea bargain in order to be spared the prosecution process following the conclusion of the 5-man inter-agency investigation panel headed by the Inspector General of Police.

Sources told Saturday Vanguard that there is more than meets the eye with regards to the whereabouts of the plea bargain money and that the American government was aware of some under hand dealings hence it told President Jonathan to order investigation to look for the money.

Following what the source said was past experiences, efforts are also to be made to ascertain if really, Julius Berger actually paid any money into federal government coffers.

Julius Berger, during Police investigations into the bribery scandal was allegedly found to be the conduit pipe through which Halli-

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burton and Mr. Jeffery Tesler distributed the bribe money to top government functionaries and some prominent Nigerians.

Of all the major suspects indicted in the Police investigation reports, only the former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to former President Obasanjo who admitted to collecting $6million from former GMD of NNPC, Chief Jackson Gaius Obaseki was charged to court and since 2010, the trial has been ongoing.

The case was reopened again, two weeks ago when the

federal government requested the United States government to release the balance of the bribery money held up in a U.S. bank.

In its response, the U.S. government bluntly refused to release the money saying while it (US) prosecuted those who partook in the corruption scam in the US and jailed them, the Nigerian government has been applying lip service to the matter indicating it was not serious in fighting corruption.

The only condition given to release the money was the immediate prosecution of all those top shots including Julius Berger that were indict-

Ogun State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Alh. Yusuph Olaniyonu, Abdul-Rahmon Amosun, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at Lantoro Prayer Ground, Abeokuta... yesterday

Uba battles Arthur Eze over N.2b property in Enugu

BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

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sensational legal battle between a business mogul from Anambra State, Prince Arthur Eze and Senator Andy Uba, representing Anambra South Senato-

rial District is now raging before an Enugu State High Court presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike.

The legal battle erupted following an attempt by Prince Eze to take over two immovable properties belonging to one Major

Emmanuel Okwuosa which the Enugu State High Court ordered should be sold to enable Eze recover the $1million (about N157 million) allegedly owed him by Okwuo s a .

However, Senator Uba is claiming ownership of the

Devastating coastal erosion imminent in Lagos — Asiodu

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI IGERIA is the most populous country in Africa, according to 2006 census figure. Extreme weather and climate events have constituted serious threat to global economic growth over the past few years, especially to the socio-economy Nigeria, severe floods, windstorms, drought and desertification, and several other extreme weather and climate events have impacted negatively on its socioeconomy and many people have been affected throughout the country. The country is very prone to flooding mainly along the Niger River through Benue basin and Sokoto basin and this affects agricultural land use to a

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great extent. Many of the country’s larger rivers have flood plains, which are subject to flooding during the rainy season. Urban flooding occurs in towns located on flat or low lying terrain (coastal areas).

The President of Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Philip Asiodu (CON) has warned the federal government that coastal erosion problem in Lagos State is the nation’s “most urgent environmental challenge.”

two properties namely: Plots M17 and O/19 Independence Layout, Enugu which the court presided over by Justice Umezulike, had earlier ordered to be attached for sale in favour of Prince Eze on October 10, 2012.

Umezulike had granted an ex-parte application brought by Obi Orakwue, counsel for Prince Eze pursuant to Section 44 of Sheriffs & Civil Process Act, 2004; Order IV Rules 1 (2) & 16 (1); Order VII Rule 7 Judgment Enforcement Rules and ordered the attachment and sale by private contract of the immovable properties of Okwuosa, the judgement debtor, who was indebted to the applicant to tune of about $1 million only.

But following the issuance

of the Writ of attachment and sale against the said properties by the court as directed in suit number E/ 147/2012, Senator Uba approached the court as an interested party/appellant saying that the two properties in question were bought for him by the said Major Okwuosa from Chief R. O. Nkwocha family at N250 million.

But in a 26-paragraph counter affidavit opposing Uba’s motion dated October 19, 2012, Prince Eze’s counsel, Orakwue, told the court that Uba was not the owner of the two immovable properties but Okwuosa, who had his interest duly registered in the names at the Lands Registery vide irrevocable power of attorney and Deed of Assignment.

SEPLAT Petroleum Development graduates 24 youths from its skills acquisition programme

BY FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

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HE General Manag er of SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Bright Oghor at a graduation ceremony for graduates of the skill aquisition programme has, said the programme was designed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the company’s operational areas. He added that the scope covered Welding and Fabrication, Fashion and design

ICT/Computer Technology and hair stylist/Management.

He said the company’s operator of the NPDC/SEPLAT Joint Venture in OMLs 4, 38 and 41 would provide assistance to enable the graduands set up their own workshop and business centres which in turn will create job opportunities for other youths and by extension contribute in reducing unemployment in the areas.

Saying that the training was for one year, Oghor

said: “this is the first batch of trainees; the programme would be sustained by our company as this initiative forms part of our corporate social responsibility. As such, other communities will benefit from the programme as well.”

While maintaining that graduands would be presented with takeoff grants, starter-packs of items to help them establish their businesses, he disclosed that the company had initiated some laudable capital and non capital

projects such as water scheme, market stalls construction, electrification, housing schemes, scholarship awards, donation of buses and speed boats to communities amongst others.

He said the company would continue to partner with the communities to improve and sustain the projects which he said were aimed at delivering premium values to all, adding that the company was poised for the delivery of sustainable community development programmes.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 9

Flood: Another woman gives birth to twins in camp •as Dozzy group donates 3000 bags of rice to victims

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka NOTHER set of twins has been delivered at the flood victims camp located at the Central School, Odekpe in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State, bringing to three the number of multiple births recorded in the camps in the state since the victims were sacked by flood that ravaged their communities. Two sets of triplets had earlier been recorded at the Fr. Joseph Memorial High School, Aguleri camp where victims from Anambra West and Ayamelum were quartered.

The Chairman of Ogbaru local government Transition Committee, Mr. Steve Chukwuma, said on Thursday when Dozzy Group of Companies donated 3,000 bags of rice to the flood victims, adding that another pregnant woman at the camp was also delivered of a single baby.

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Both mothers were said to still be in a hospital.

The Head, Human Resources and Administration of Dozzy Group, Mr. Chima Akuchie, who presented 200 bags of rice to the camp management at Atani, Ogbaru local government area, said the donation was to ameliorate the suffering of the victims, who have lost most of their life savings.

The company also made similar donations to the victims camped at Ihiala, Okija, Aguleri, Onitsha and other parts of Ogbaru, assuring that more donations would be made in future.

The Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, who received the bags of rice on behalf of the relief camp committee, identified hunger as a major challenge to the displaced persons in camp.

He commended Dozzy Group for the support and prayed God to bless the company more so that it will continue to render help to people that were

in need.

He debunked allegations of diversion of relief materials, adding however, that there was one case in which a consignment of relief materials being sent to Ogbaru was hijacked by other flood victims who told those bringing the materials that the camps in Ogbaru had been cut off by the flood.

The bishop said that 52 churches were submerged by the flood, which submerged the entire Ogbaru local government area, adding that as at Friday, 41 churches were still under

English Premier League top side, Liverpool Football Club, in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank, recently held a football clinic for kids in Lagos aimed at discovering new stars for Nigeria.Picture shows one of the participants, Master Demilade Azeez being presented a certificate at the end of the football clinic.

Abandoned baby found dead behind Unical hostel five years had been wagBY JOHNBOSCO ing war against teenage AGBAKWURU, Calabar pregnancy and child TWO-DAY old baby abandonment through abandoned by an her pets’ projects and had unknown mother was been able to put a stop to found dead behind the rampant baby abandonMedical Students Hostel, ment in the state despite University of Calabar near alleged campaign of calthe office of the Cross Riv- umny carried recently er State first lady, Mrs. against her.

Speaking at the scene Obioma Liyel-Imoke.

Mrs. Imoke in the last where the dead baby was

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I did not banish women in my kingdom — Erhiekevwe 1 that suspended the err- brought the list of the

BY GODWIN OGHRE, and that it was the counSapele cil of women of the entire kingdom that susHE Ovie of Idjerhe pended a handful of Kingdom Ethiope some other women from West Local Government Ajavwini Village, one of HRM Erhiekevwe I has the forty villages that said recent speculation make up the kingdom, and media report that he when the women counhas banished fifty wom- cil regarded as atrocious en from his kingdom, and a taboo, the activiwas false and wrongly ties of the suspended published by the media. women against the OvieThe royal father who ship, not only in the made clarification on the kingdom but in the encrisis which recently tire Urhobo nation. rocked the kingdom, said He further said the it revolved around the general women council women of the kingdom

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ing women was headed by the most senior woman in the kingdom - the Okpakoeweya, and that the council said what it did was in tandem with the custom of the land.

The royal father, who traced the genesis of the crisis to two years back, said the crisis started when the people of Ajavwini Village elected officers to represent their interest in meetings with some oil firms operating in the kingdom, after which the representatives of the village

Why we closed down 15 companies — C-River govt

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar HE Cross River State government has given reasons why 15 companies operating in Akamkpa Local Government of the state were closed down, saying that the government cannot fold its arms watching some

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people to exploit and defraud the state.

The companies which operate on mining and quarrying of granites in the area were said to have been shut as a result of disagreement between the state government and the communities on collection of revenue.

It was alleged that the companies entered into an understanding with the host communities to be paying certain levy to the communities as a way of compensating them over the environmental degradation and loss of arable lands for farming as a major means of livelihood sustainability.

elected officers to him for approval.

abandoned, special assistant to the Governor on Public Health/ NGO and Special Projects, Dr. Regina Ejemot-Nwadiaro said her attention was drawn to the incident by an anonymous caller which prompted her presence at the scene.

Nwadiaro said that immediately she got to the place, she called the Calabar Urban Development Authority, CUDA, who quickly responded to the call and subsequently alerted the Police.

She condemned the perpetrator of which she de-

scribed as a dastardly act, callous, inhuman and outright wickedness.

According to her, “for the past five years the wife of the State Governor Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke, has been championing the stamping out of teenage pregnancy child abandonment in the state through her project; Mothers’ Against Child Abandonment (MACA).

“It is thus, disheartening that in spite of the consistent efforts by Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke and the MACA team, people could still dump babies.”

Girl with stray bullet on head: JTF offers sympathy, police absolve army person for the 2 Brigade

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI, Port- said, “The Brigade sympathises with those inHarcourt jured during the inciHE Joint Taskforce dent and investigation to (JTF), 2 Brigade, unravel the surrounding Port Harcourt, has vowed circumstances has comto bring to book, perpe- menced. trators of the alleged The JTF which exshooting of a commercial pressed sympathy for the bus at the Agip Round- injured victims, howevabout in Port Harcourt er stated that it was which has left one of two hasty to hold the army affected victims battling for her life with a bullet in the head.

Witnesses account had, CRUCIAL special over the Wednesday ingeneral meeting of cident, fingered soldiers for the alleged shooting St. Enda’s College (Agfollowing a reported barho Grammar School), scuffle with a commer- Agbarho, Ughelli North cial bus driver at the Local Government of busy Mile 4 neighbour- Delta State Old Students hood in the Rivers capi- Association has been tal city. scheduled for Saturday, In a statement, Major October 27 at the school Michael Etete, Spokes-

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responsible based on a reported preliminary police report indicating that the “soldiers at the location did not fire their rifles as their ammunitions were complete.”

Major Etete declared that the Brigade would leave no stone unturned to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to book.

St Enda’s Old Students meet

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compound in Agbarho.

A statement by the interim national president, Chief Igben, says salient issues pertaining to the school’s golden jubilee celebration have been lined up for discussion and therefore urged members to be punctual.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

temporary camps for flood victims are being threatened by water in some places. Not enough food for the refugees.

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President Jonathan

Gov Dickson of Bayelsa State Namadi Sambo, Vice President

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esponding to clamours for financial assistance in the wake of the flood disaster nationwide as governors of affected states sought ‘’federal might’’ to bail them out from the deluge, President Goodluck Jonathan promptly came to the rescue.

He announced a total amount of N17.6 billion package to tackle the flood.

The President told a beleaguered nation that out of that amount, N13.3 billion had been allocated to affected states while Federal Government agencies whose activities directly impact on the flood amelioration programme will get N4.3 billion.

According to Jonathan, based on the present assessment, the states were categorised into four groups, A to D. In Category A are eight states consisting of Adamawa, Oyo, Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Benue, and Plateau who received N500 million each.

Category B states are Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River, Edo,

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BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

Some of these camps are overcrowded, lacking essential facilities such as clean drinking water, medication, food and hygienic environment suitable for human habitation

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Lagos and Imo getting N400 million each. The Category C states are Kwara, Katsina, Gombe, Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Abia and Rivers with N300 million each.

While Category D states included Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Yobe, Enugu, Ekiti, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Borno, and the FCT (Abuja) having N250 million each.

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lso allocated funds to further intensify their intervention activities, are critical agencies of the Federal Government which included Ministry of Works, N2.6 billion, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, N1.1 billion, National Commission for Refugees, N150 million, and

the Technical committee on Floods Impact Assessment, N100 million.

A 34-member National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation was established chaired by wealthy businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote together with Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, a Human Rights activist and lawyer and including eminent Nigerians like Dr. Dora Akunyili, Frank Nweke Jnr. Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor CBN, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Chairman of Mobile Communication giant Globacom who was named chief fund mobiliser, Alhaji Isiaku Rabiu, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi,

and many others.

Their mandate was to raise funds to complement government’s resources to provide urgent relief for victims of the floods and the post-impact rehabilitation of affected persons and communities. The committee is also expected to advise government on the ‘’judicious utilization of funds raised’’ and to co-opt any other person or oganisation that it may find useful in carrying out its assignment.

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onathan had noted in his October 9 national broadcast that the floods ravaged many parts of the country rendering tens of thousands of fellow Nigerians homeless and causing massive destruction of property, farmlands and infrastructure across the country.

His words: ‘’It is sad that this global phenomenon of devastating flood has come to Nigeria at this time. I want to reassure all Nigerians that the Federal Government is prepared to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of this natural disaster.’’

Most of the affected states have set up camps for the displaced persons. Saturday Vanguard learned that some of these camps are overcrowded, lacking essential facilities such as clean drinking water, medications, food and hygienic environment suitable for human habitation. The camps along Lokoja/Abuja highway were said to be dirty, smelling, stinking with the likelihood of epidemic breaking out.

Many of them lacked toilet facilities, waste disposal facilities while hygiene is at the lowest. Even these

here are about 17 camps in Bayelsa State, believed to be the worst hit. Some of these camps are located in the sports complex at Yenagoa, Igbogene Helipat, Demiari Grammar School, Tombia, etc. The challenges experienced at these camps include lack of toilets, food insufficiency, electricity, possible outbreak of epidemic diseases such as cholera, malaria, and also the metropolitan nature of the location which allowed for so many people who are not displaced to troop down for daily ration of food. In Rivers State, some officials allegedly diverted relief materials for flood victims.

The case of Bayelsa State is so pathetic as even the house of President Goodluck Jonathan in Otuoke is said to be under water.

It was gathered that the water level is still rising in Bayelsa State due to its geographical location which places it below sea level and also the fact that major rivers and tributaries empty into the Atlantic Ocean through the state.

Communication facilities and public infrastructure have virtually collapsed.

Governor Seriake Dickson has set up Flood M a n a g e m e n t Committee of 20 members chaired by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd) with Prof. Edmund Allison Oguru who is secretary to the state government as secretary of the committee while commissioners, Special Advisers and representatives of local governments are members.

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t was reported that most of the state has been submerged to the extent that the Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Deziani AllisonMadueke had to use chopper to fly over her hometown as she could not land due to water.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has set up Continues on page 45

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—11

By Austin Ogwuda, Asaba

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ow the governor lashed a reporter for being inquisitive in knowing how much was spent so far: And that question drew the ire of the governor when the reporter wanted to know how much had so far expended in the rehabilitation of the flood victims.

And this was how the governor reacted: “Let me ask you (reporter), what have you donated to any of the camps?

Sorry I am saying this

because I think we are getting to a stage in this country where governance is becoming very uninteresting. Let me ask you these were the people that were virtually washed away by water. And I am struggling to give them accommodation and all that, you think it is money that I will be thinking of first.

For God’s sake let’s be human because I hear all sorts of things.

“We have been preparing for disaster but not of this magnitude. I have not told them give me account of how much you have spent because that should not be my priority now. Everyday people go to the camp in hundreds but let me tell you that I know that most of the people that are coming to the camp were not affected by the flood. But they are coming there to eat but in my conscience can I drive them. The answer is no. I am not encouraging people who

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ELTA State, is generally regarded as a mini Nigeria and a State difficult to govern because of its diverse nature, coupled with high wire politics. No wonder it is a State assumed too difficult to govern.

However, the incumbent governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, a medical doctor by profession is very conscious of that fact hence he applies wisdom in what he does.

Before the Federal Government announced N500 million as the share of the N17.6billion relief to flooded States, tongue had already started to wag over the sharing formula of relief materials and cash that were coming in from kind individuals and corporate bodies that were first callers to the camps.

This reporter once overheard one of the female victims murmuring at Saint Patrick’s College, SPC Asaba the day when the member representing Aniocha/ Oshimili federal constituency, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, one the early callers, donated relief materials comprising 100 bags of rice, cartons of beverages, cartons of vegetable oil and cash of one million naira to aid in transporting their trapped property in the flood among other items.

When the lady noticed that I am a journalist, she complained aloud saying, “oga press man, come, people have been coming to donate to us but we don’t see the money, the feeding is poor”.

How the governor lashed a reporter for being inquisitive to know how much was spent so far.

After that incident at SPC, grumblings either borne out of mistrust or mischief had continued not only in that camp but in several other camps that were set up by the State Government until one reporter put a question to the governor during a recent interactive session with newsmen at Government House Asaba, specially to brief the press on the flooding situation.

I will not meddle in the committee’s work; I will not disburse this money (N500m) and definitely will not be part of what they shall do.

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are not affected by the flood to come and eat in the camps, please don’t get me wrong, but for somebody to struggle to enter that camp to go and

eat the person is hungry. First of all let us think of how to stabilize those people because it is a big challenge because everyday hundreds of people are coming to the camp so if you ask me how much we have spent I don’t have the record of how much we have spent.

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am ready to spend the entire State’s fund if that will bring succour to flood vicitms - Uduaghan On the issue of the N500 million, first it hasn’t come. Am saying this so that we don’t put so much emphasis on how much government is spending even if I have to spend all the money in the State to make these people comfortable, I will do it because if you have gone to those camps and let some of them look at your eyes, if you chop that kind of money you will not only get diarrhea not just watery

diarrhea but bloody diarrhea.

I am more interested in rehabilitating those people first rather than talking about money”, he echoed.

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autioned against politicization of the flood issue: Since the flood issue started the governor who cut short his overseas trip and returned back home had been sitting down almost on a daily basis with political appointees and members of the State House of Assembly to assess field reports. And in one of those meetings, he cautioned against politicization of the flood project.

According to him, “I will not meddle in the committee’s work. I will not disburse this money (N500m) and definitely will not be part of what they shall do. Whatever decision Continues on page 45

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

‘Nigerian factor might affect appropriate disbursement of funds’ grossly affected the produce such that it is difficult to plant any product that will germinate.

“Right now, we are at the mercies of the flood and our farm produce has been grossly affected. The flood has affected us such that all the produce are totally perished.

Asked if government is helping farmers in the country, he said, “that is what they have been saying but I have not experienced it and none of the farmers around me has benefited either. I believe they know those they are supporting. Those who are not connected don’t have access to their loans or funds.

BY EBUN SESSOU

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r. Dotun Agboju, a farmer, said with flood ravaging major parts of Nigeria, some of the agric lands have been affected. “All the farmland have been surrounded by flood all over the country and in that regard, nobody can go to the farm and the crops on the farm will be destroyed. What this means is that there will be food crisis. We heard the minister said, ”the government is doing something towards averting this problem but we have not

•Hon. Omisore Nigerians in both Oyo and Lagos State who spoke with Saturday Vanguard lamented that funds which have been allocated by the Federal Government was only mentioned on the pages of Newspapers and on Television Stations across the nation without its manifestation.

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r. Arowosegbe who lives in Odo-Ona Apata, Oyo State, said most of the relief materials are only hijacked by government officials and thugs in the area and not the affected people.

According to him, “Those who are affected do not benefit from any of the scheme. The government only tell us that it has allocated five hundred million, 500,000,000 to Oyo State especially those whose properties were destoyed by the flood but we have not seen or heard anything about it. The first time the incident happened in Oyo State, those who were affected have not been given any fund till date.

“I am not the only one who was affected and I believe those who were affected too had not been given anything. Over 150 people affected in my area have not benefited.

“Some people lost their houses, properties, farmlands.

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IGERIA has been experiencing its toughest time flood and many lives, properties have been destroyed in the process. So many people have been commenting on the impact of these flood disasters on Nigerians and Nigeria, particularly, the poor.

Amidst the ongoing ravages by floods, and ensuing catastrophes, there seem to be deliberate efforts to understate the extent and magnitude of devastation by floods by the governemnt of the land.

Recently, the Federal Governemnt allocated some funds for some States in the country for flood victims in different capacities and set up committee to oversee the scheme.

But, there are insinuations that the victims of the flood might not benefit from the project. Perhaps the politicians in the country might hijack the fund.

Consequently, the poor are the ones who are mostly faced with much pain and bear the brunt of all these displacements and dislocations.

In most cases, the poor have been left to cater for themselves, as they have alternately been neglected, relegated and left in squalid conditions, extreme squalor and to their own devices.

Relief materials have been very hard to come by, and worse, there have been cases where relief materials have been commandeered by those who need these relief materials the least.

In many affluent or wealthy homes, it may not be far fetched that top members of Nigerian political class, will be directing the funds to themselves.

Relief materials ostensibly targeting the most desperate and the neediest of cases in most cases been hijacked by local political operatives, among them, so-called chiefs and traditional rulers, who ought to be, at the barest minimum, facilitators of distribution chain and be the conduit of relief material to the poor.

Relief material intended for the poor by donors, are now stockpiled in the homes of some local political aparachiks and so-called traditional rulers, all this, while the poor desperate citizens wait in the lurch, for relief materials and needful.

Some cross section of

I don’t know how much has been allocated to Lagos State but I know that the State Government is trying in its capacity to make sure that flooding is minimised

There was a particular family that lost seven children to the incident.

“Those who have been visting the local govrnment to find out what is going on there have not been able to come with a positive development.

“There is no farmland in my area but there was a man who was into cat fish rearing. His fish ponds were destroyed completely. Some companies including Saplet were also destroyed”, he added.

A-70 years old farmer, Elder Emmanuel Salau who spoke to Saturday Vanguard lamented that the recent flood ravaging some major parts of Nigeria has

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seen anything yet. We have not seen anything on ground to show that this imminent problem will not come to pass.

On loan, government will keep making noise on the pages of Newspapers but the truth is that most of the farmers don’t have access to loan or funds as claimed by the government.

“Farmers go through difficult situations in order to access funds or loans. The situation on ground is that the political farmers have taken over the opportunities that the real farmers should benefit. The political farmers who are the friends of politicians are the

ones enjoying all the benefits.

While the real farmers have to go through stringent efforts to be relevant in the society.

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member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Ipoola Omisore representing Ifako/Ijaye II, also the Chairman Committee on Special Duties and Emergencies opined Nigerian factor might mire the effective disbursement of the funds allocated to States especially flood victims.

His words: “I am not doubting anybody’s capacity. But we know what happened with the pensioners’ case and we pray that such will not happen again.

“I don’t know how much has been allocated to Lagos State but I know that the State Government is trying in its capacity to make sure that flooding is minimised. While other States are groaning, we are smiling in Lagos State.

“There have been persistence intervention by the government to make sure that drainages are cleared. The major concern is that Lagos State is below sea level and we have some riverine communities.

“We need Federal Government intervention to assist Lagos State in terms of funds disbursement. As the former Federal Capital, Lagos itself needs special attention.

We have to construct more channels for proper flow of water to the canals so that the Bar Beach that is easily overtaken by Ocean Surge will be a thing of the past.

“What we have today is palliative measures unlike what is obtainable in other parts of the world where we have Ocean beaches protected.

“With the flood problem, there is need for proper planning and not reacting to situations. We need to really wake up from our slumber and not wait until flood destroys our properties.

“I pity those in other areas.

Even our Federal highways are not well constructed. Flood has destoyed major parts of Federal roads. Therefore the committee set up by the federal Government needs to come to Lagos to know the right approach. I believe Lagos needs an holistic approach.

We have a list of flood victims in the State. There are some in Ifako/Ijaye, Ajegunle, and other areas. “And I believe Federal Government needs a permanent solution to appraoch the issue.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—13

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HEN that torrential rainfall pulverized the ground on December 31, 2011 causing pool of water in some low areas of Yenagoa many of us thought it was a sign of good things to come but ten months after we are faced with the worst disaster one could ever imagined. I have seen floods in the last 59 years but they are nothing compared to what we are experiencing today. I have lost all I laboured for in life,” lamented Madam Edaere Thomas one of the displaced persons at the Bishop Dimieri Grammar School BDGS relief camp.

This is certainly not the best of times for indigenes of Bayelsa State many of whom have been forced to flee their homes in the last four weeks and are now taking temporary shelter at tents and relief camps put in place by the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in areas that survived the deluge in Yenagoa and other parts of the state.

While those in the various relief camps could be counted as lucky having roofs over their heads in spite of the widespread complaint of inadequate food supply those who dared the flood by remaining in their submerged homes are now forced to contend with invading reptile especially snakes as well as mosquitoes.

As they go through the motions of daily life, the haunted look in many eyes betray layers of unspoken fears and uncertainty. Many do not even know where to start from again when they return to their abandoned homes.

The very poor ones whose homes were mud houses are currently at a loss and are not sure where to go after the flood.

Virtually all of such structures have been washed away by the deluge.

Though the state government appropriated N1.5bn to mitigate the suffering of the displaced population caused by the flood there had been widespread complain of neglect and starvation in the various comps due to alleged diversion of relief materials meant for the displaced victims.

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distraught Madam Th omas, a widow and mother of six told Saturday Vanguard philosophically, “I have seen the worst in my life.

If anybody had told me of this waiting disaster I would have dismissed it with the wave of the hand. The hardship in this camp is my least worry. Have been sleeping on the bare floor C M Y K

In Bayelsa, victims allege diversion of relief materials ...as Gov Dickson threatens to deal with anybody caught trying to capitalize on the situation to make money

here so that my little children can make do with the mattress I was lucky to secure.”

According to her, “My basic concern is how we will cope after the flood. I depend on the farmland left behind by my husband for our survival. Our mud house back home in the village (Sagbama) is gone and the seedlings I kept aside for the new planting season and our farm implements have been washed away.”

She pleaded with the authorities to come to their aid by assisting them with cash to enable them get a new roof over their head and plant seedlings and farming tools to help them start a new life.

Also another victim at the Samson Siasia Stadium, who gave her name as Izonebi John, told Saturday Vanguard, “ we are aware of the fund release by the state government to cater for us. Sadly, the relief materials meant for us are not getting to us. The officials saddled with the responsibility of taking care of us are not doing enough to assuage our plight.”

John Obuh, an indigene of Biseni in Yenagoa local government area said there was no need sulking over an incident he had no control over.

“It is clear we have lost everything but our basic concern should be our survival after the

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BY SAMUELOYADONGHA, Yenagoa

The governor also threatened to deal decisively with anybody caught trying to incite flood victims against the government or trying to capitalize on the situation to make money.

flood,” he said.

For Olotu Preye, one of the internally displaced persons at Samson Siasia Stadium, though the situation at the relief camp may not be the best, he was grateful to God for sparing his life and that of his family members. “I thank God for his mercies; at least, we are not exposed to the elements of the weather. My problem is not hunger; though we are not getting food on time to eat as one would have but where do we start from after returning home?”

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reye expressed the hope that the state government would be magnanimous enough to assist them financially to pick up the pieces of their life. He also called on the government to put in place measures to ensure that their children regain lost ground in

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the school calendar year due to the forced closure of schools in the state. This, the state commissioner for education, Mr. Salo Adikumo said would be address by government allaying the fears of parents.

Pa Okorie, in his early, sixties could not hold back the tears, lamenting. “some days I go without food, how do you expect me to struggle for food with the young ones. I am aware of Governor Dickson’s passion for us but some of his aides are more interested in what they stand to gain from the exercise. His coming to visit us last Saturday has really boosted our morale and brought about significant improvement in the distribution of relief materials at the camp.

Disturbed by the alleged diversion of relief materials meant for the flood victims, Governor Seriake Dickson

whose private fish farm was also lost to the ravaging flood not only mandated the state commissioner of police, Mr. Kingsley Omire and the State Director of State Security Services, Andrew Iorkyar to embark on a tour of the various camps for an on the spot assessment of situation but also ordered the immediate reorganization of the food distribution system. The governor also threatened to deal decisively with anybody caught trying to incite flood victims against the government or trying to capitalize on the situation to make money.

Also, he ordered the immediate suspension of Mr. Chinedu Ubah, the Senior Special Assistant on Non Indigenes over his alleged role in the creation of a separate flood relief camp for non indigenes and all that transpired therein, which gave rise to series of complaints and causing unnecessary confusion in the process.

The governor who visited the various camps in the state said his administration was not interested in sharing money to any person after the flood must have receded noting that government post flood plans for the people are geared towards helping them to go back to their various means of livelihood.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

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t is no longer news that Olusegun Mimiko was returned as the Ondo State governor in the recent election. That fact was released after the votes had all been cast, counted and collated to the satisfaction of INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), the official institution invested with the authority to conduct the polls.That was when it became certain that the incumbent governor had been returned by the people of the state whom he had striven to serve for the past four years. That is what elections are for.

It might have been apparent, before the election, that Mimiko had qualified for another term.

He claimed that, of course, but it was really not for him or anybody else to declare.That was purely a matter of opinion,a right to which everybody was entitled.

Some other people exercised odds. that same right in favour of It is time for the analysts, his opponents. The design of and others who know it all, to elections seeks to guarantee reveal why the winner won the reality and annul the and the losers lost. There will wishful projections. be dissension in that as well.

It is therefore It might be an aspect worth embarrassing for some mentioning, however, that people, who should know better, to suggest that the pronounced assumption that the Labour Party Candidate would win the Ondo governorship election was enough to have made others, particularly the Action Congress of Nigeria, hand him the palm without his stir.

It does not happen that way.

The post of a state governor is simply too important, too massive and attractive to be filled without any contest, no matter to what degree victory appears tilted in any direction. What is more, a democratic system thrives on contention—contention of ideology, contention of programme, all embodied in the contention of personality through which it is all filtered, and based upon which the people can make a choice.

*The inheritor and the heir to control the selection of the candidate for the party has been a sore point with the party members for years.

In spite of its unpleasant results, by way of consequential defeats and defection of members to

footnotes appended to the Mimiko victory, still in his favour or otherwise.

This may tie in with the hesitancy of the ACN to fling bouquets of congratulatory messages at him. There are grunts about malpractices

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hat was how, it would appear, the people have made their choice in Ondo State. The opposition was rightly there, if only to “fulfill all righteousness”. And it was a fitting “righteousness” to be observed, to add to the quality of the election being “credible”, apart from being free and fair. Those who put themselves forward, though their chances were not so inviting, actually deserve to be commended, not ridiculed, as returning home “empty-handed”. The fact

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that they did not simply roll over on their backs in submission, for me, testifies to their belief in the system.

Over all, it also evinces a strong faith in the Nigerian project and its potentials.

And, as it turned out, it was not so much of a touted landslide victory since, at the count, more people actually voted for the opposition combined, than voted for Mimiko. That is not to take any shine away from his deserved triumph against all C M Y K

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democracy also demands that the one who is presented to contend for the choice of the people must, ab initio, have been freely chosen by his supporters and sponsors for that purpose. That is what preliminary elections are meant for. But they are more conspicuous by their absence than observance over the years in almost every political party. The right conceded to, or acquired by political power brokers within and without the party,

other parties, the practice has waxed stronger in recent years. The debacle suffered by the ACN in Ondo may have been partially caused by the imposition of someone from the “diaspora” on the free will of the people as their flagbearer.

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he loss of Olu Agunloye to the LP, as a consequence, may forcefully bring home the lesson that should have been learnt years ago from the days of Obafemi Awolowo. He was able to get away with it most of the time, but the effort left indelible scars on his illustrious career and its ramifications. It is hardly an inheritance to be dearly desired.. There may yet be

Over all, it also evinces a strong faith in the Nigerian project and its potentials

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*Mimiko

The people have made their choice in Ondo State. The opposition was rightly there, if only to “fulfill all righteousness”

lost. It has been more than once bitten. It may be uncharitable to overlook where the party is “coming from” in this regard. Even the National Peoples Party, NPN, must be having a rethink about its rush to congratulate the newly elected LP Governor of Ondo State. The members of the party in that state have distanced themselves from the ebullience of the felicitations extended to the winner of an election which they claim was far from squeaky clean. The defeated NPN candidate, maybe as an afterthought, also now seems to concur. It is not a case of being a poor loser, or not being a gentleman. It is abiding by the dictates of pragmatism on the peculiar political terrain of our dear nation.

involved in the election. No matter what anyone feels, only the law courts can effectively reject or uphold the accusations. So while it is true that the declared winner of an election is almost routinely congratulated even by his or her opponents in other parts of the world, that is because election rigging, and other malpractices, are almost unknown in such climes. In our beloved country, they are commonplace. The ACN strove to win back no less than three stolen mandates after the 2011 elections. The party may rightly shelve the idea of spraying congratulations all over the tarmac immediately after an election it is adjudged to have

he inclusion of Ondo State under the umbrella ( if you please) of the ACN would indeed be like old times when the entire Western Region was under the Action Group, and the virtual control of one man. Anyone striving for a return to that era with the ambition of assuming the position which that leader, Obafemi Awolowo enjoyed, may encounter too many obstacles in trying to achieve that dream. It could even turn into a nightmare. Just consider the implication of the fact that one of the loudest ovations for Mimiko’s victory came from the household of Awolowo himself. It would appear that the self-styled inheritor may not be the heir, after all.

Time out.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—15

A little mirror to the Nigerian Police

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recent conversation with a newly retired Commissioner of Police leads me to believing the former. The retired commissioner wanted a crime in which he was involved, investigated. To his utter surprise and annoyance, the investigating police officer (IPO) asked for mobilisation money. My friend tried to pull rank by calling a more senior officer who instantly apologised and promised to look into it. After a half hearted attempt to ‘investigate’, the matter ‘died’. I laughed inwardly when he told me the story. He had just been given a dosage of what most of us have been swallowing for years. What goes around, they say, comes around.

Are these junior officers being sleazy and greedy or are they in truth, insufficiently mobilised? In other words, how much money is being devoted to crime intelligence, prevention, and detection? A police force is not a police force if it can not prevent, detect, and prosecute crime.

The 2013 budget has allocated a hefty sum to the police force—ostensibly to fight Boko Haram. It will be money misapplied— apologies to a former Vice President—if the raison d’etre of a police force, is again ignored. The policy that allows a junior detective to fund crime investigation from his salary before reimbursement (if any) is a wrong one. A policy that plays down data gathering and forensic intelligence in this day and age, is a wrong one. So is a policy that does not focus on training and retraining, of detectives. t’s not the quantum of ammunition purchased (contracts for the boys?) that will make the people sleep with their two eyes closed.

It does not, in the end , matter whether we have Federal Police, State Police, or Village Police. What the people want, and deserve, is an effective Police.

Then, and only then, will the friends and families of Dele Giwa and Uncle Bola Ige and others who were brutishly cut down, have closure and their souls really rest in

It’s not the quantum of ammunition purchased (contracts for the boys?) that will make the people sleep with their two eyes closed

ast week was the anniversary of the murder of Dele Giwa.

That of Chief Bola Ige is another two months away. I was sufficiently close to the two of them to remember their passing away with pain. Always with pain. The first colleague to phone me when I was about to start my publication was the late Dele Giwa. ‘Lets have breakfast together and talk about your publication’,he said.’I don’t want you to make the kind of mistakes we made.’

I still remember those words, just as I remember his offer to foot my accommodation bill if I could attend a printing exhibition with him in Germany. He was a warm and generous being. I saw him a week to his gruesome death, and he was so full of life and plans for his beloved Newswatch. Because his murder has been unresolved, none of us—his colleagues, friends, and family—have not had any closure.

The same thing with Uncle Bola Ige; he was one of the few people I know that high office never changed. I had been around him in and out of office, and he was always himself, unaffected by high office. A very cerebral man, he surrounded himself with young men who could stimulate him. His C M Y K

simplicity, was probably why he was so easily killed.

I spoke to him a couple of weeks before he was murdered. He told me he was resigning from government and that we should talk. The ‘talk’ never took place. He was good to me, and, like Giwa, difficult to forget.

Between these two unresolved murders were also many high profile political killings. You tend to think the police do not have the capacity or the will to investigate crime.

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Beyond your imagination

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on’t despair.

It’s not over.

It may look as though there is no way out. Everyone and experts on the matter may have concluded that it is hopeless yet I say to you there is the God that can do exceeding and abundantly above all that you can think or imagine (Eph. 3:20).

No case is hopeless with Him. He thrives always in situations that the devil and the world says it is impossible. Hear me; God will do beyond your imagination.

Don’t listen to the lies of the devil and men. God does not hate you. He has not forgotten nor forsaken you. It is impossible for God to forget or forsake you. You are in the palm of His hands always. He neither sleeps nor slumbers because of you. His plans for you are so awesome that the enemy is so afraid of it and he has made up his mind to do all he can to stop you but he will fail. God will not disappoint you. He is too faithful to fail. He is trustworthy and ever dependable. There is nothing that is too hard for God to handle. Believe me your case is too small.

He already has a miracle for you. Get ready.

In Luke chapter 5:111, the bible says that Pe t e r w e n t o u t a s usual to his business but returned back empty handed. He must have been feeling terrible, disappointed and wondering what would happen to his family.

Today so many are in this condition. The works of their hands are not making any progress and yet they

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he swift way the perpetrators of the ‘face book’ murder of Cynthia Osokogu were brought to book, brought huge relief to all of us, and, if truth be told, more than a little pride. But more importantly, it brought closure and allowed the friends and family of the poor lady and to some extent, the larger society, to also have closure and move on with their lives. That is how it should be. A crime is committed, the perpetrators are apprehended, justice is done, the society learns from it, and moves on.

Sadly, this is more of an exception than the rule. We all know, if we live in this country, that most crimes are poorly investigated if investigated at all. In the course of an investigation, (should any be done) crude violence and high handedness often replace patient intelligence gathering. The result is that wrong persons more often than not, are arrested and charged.

Prosecution is another thing. Have you ever seen a police prosecutor at work? I have and its not pretty. To see some police prosecutors being cross-examined, has to be one of the most embarrassing things around, even in this country where nothing shocks. He is so badly prepared that a charge-and-bail lawyer would twist him around his little fingers. The result? Crime— both high and low profile ones—remain largely unsolved.

Don’t listen to the lies of the devil and men. God does not hate you. He has not forgotten nor forsaken you. It is impossible for God to forget or forsake you

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have commitments all over the place and they wonder how they can get out of the mess. I have good news for you, God will not disappoint you.

While Pe t e r was wondering then came Jesus and made use of the boat of peter and thereafter asked peter to launch out into the sea and cast his net for a c a t c h . Pe t e r s a i d t o Jesus, I have toiled all night and caught nothing but nevertheless at thy word I will let down my net.

What was peter saying?

He was saying that your word has power enough to change his situation.

Pe t e r w i t h a l l o f h i s expertise caught nothing but with God’s intervention there was a turnaround.

The blessings that peter encountered were so great that he was afraid.

He had never seen so many miracles in his life. This was beyond peter ’s imagination.

Beloved, this same God has not changed. The truth of the matter is that what He did for peter is nothing to Him and He can also do for you. He is not a respecter of persons. No man on earth has truly enjoyed the fullness of the kind of blessings that God has for them. The bible refers to His blessings as unsearchable riches.

Receive this truth, no matter your imagination, God is far beyond it. Look up to God, your change is at hand.

He desires to do great things for you.

He changed everything about peter. His mindset was changed. What peter never thought was possible became possible. I prophesy to your life God who created the heavens and the earth will show you mercy and turn your case around to the amazement of your enemies. Everyone mocking you will be disgraced by this great God in the name of Jesus.

One thing that made peter to experience the mightiness of God was because he made his boat available for Jesus to use. What are you prepared to give to the Lord for Him to use? Give it to Him now and you will not be ashamed.

God will do beyond your imagination.

Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this p r a y e r. Fa t h e r, I come to you as I am.

I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 07029235279, 07029235280. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

SATURDAY VANGUARD , OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 16

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Vanguard, SARTURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012—17

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 27, 2012 Aunty Julie, I have a huge crush on one of my coworkers. I am single but he is not, so I have never made any passes or encouraged myself to flirt with him.

Five months ago, as I was the last one to leave from work , I ran into him. I was surprised that he was still there. To make a long story short, he tried to assault me. I got away.

I’m experiencing terrible confusion. I am still attracted to him! I can’t stop thinking about him and whenever he ignores me (and he does...constantly), I feel like I’m going to go crazy!

I can’t tell anyone; no one will believe me. They would say that I provoked him and that I wanted it to happen. I can’t give up the job. I need the income for my education.Why do I feel this way? What happened to me?

Why would he do something like this if he has a wife?

Judith, Apapa Dear Judith, That sounds like a terrifying

I’m physically attracted to someone who assaulted me experience. How difficult it must be to continue seeing him and to feel like you wouldn’t be believed if you told anyone.

Whatever you did in response to the assault was exactly right on: you got away, it sounds like, with minimal or no physical injuries. Nonetheless, this experience must have been traumatic. There are two primary parts to your question: why

would I feel this way towards someone who tried to hurt me and why would he do this, especially if he has a wife?

Let’s address the latter question first. Myths about rape abound. One such myth is that people who rape are sexually frustrated or never have access to sex. Studies actually show that this is not the case. Whether or not

Why hasn’t he called me?

Dear Julie, I met this guy I like about a month ago and I think that he really likes me. He has a very busy schedule with work, but when he says he will call me, he usually doesn’t. If he really likes me, why won’t he call when he says he will? Also, how can I tell if he likes me for me and not just my looks?

Queen, Asaba Dear Queen, It’s easy to over think things and jump to conclusions, especially when you like someone. But before you write him off or get downhearted, remember that there could be a number of reasons why he hasn’t called you.

Busy at work? It sounds like he could just be really busy.

Have you tried calling him instead? Maybe he is shy and can’t work up the nerve to call

you. Maybe he lost your number, or there are many possible scenarios that would explain his behaviour. Of course, there is also the chance that he’s just not interested.

If he doesn’t call and you still don’t know why, then perhaps it’s time for you to move on. If you’re not getting what you want out of a relationship, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

As the saying goes, there are a million fish in the sea. Have you been too focused on this one guy? Is there something about him in particular that you are attracted to, or is it the idea of having a boyfriend?

As for your second question, it can be hard to tell at first if someone is attracted to you for your looks or for who you are — or both. This is something that becomes apparent as you spend more time with a person.

If the attraction is purely

physical, the relationship may eventually fizzle, rather than sizzle, as you realize that you don’t have much in common.

With this guy, or any potential partner, pay attention to your instincts. Do you feel happy spending time with this person? Can you talk to him easily? Do you spend time together doing things other than being physical?

Although it can be difficult to tell at first what someone is interested in, after a while, you might be able to get a better sense of his motives.

Then you can decide if the relationship is working for you.

In this situation and in the future, consider this: if you’re into someone and you’re just waiting for the phone to ring, maybe it’s time for you to take the initiative and call him.

Sometimes you have to take a risk to get the reward!

someone is in a relationship is not a predictor of whether or not they will rape. This is probably because rape is not an act for fulfilling sexual gratification. It’s an act of violence and at the core of the motive is a desire for power and control. Incidentally, in case you were worried that your sexual attraction “provoked” the rape in any way, this is another myth: the myth that women really want to be raped. This is a statement often used by people who rape in order to justify or excuse their violence.

Notice how people rarely make this claim about other types of crime: robbery or muggings, for example. Rape is no different. Of course, you didn’t want it. Your fear of not being believed makes sense given the presence of these myths.

Is there anyone whom you can trust that would believe you?

Your attraction to him, while it may be distressing for you, is actually not all that uncommon. Most people who rape choose to rape someone they know. Studies indicate that 85% of female victims of sexual assault report knowing their assailant. These women are sometimes the dates, intimate partners, and/or wives of the men who rape them. It is likely, then, that a large number of women share your experience of having feelings for someone who attacked them.

Even if someone severs a relationship after being assault-

ed, feelings of love and attraction may remain for a time.

Feelings don’t necessarily dissolve after one negative experience .It sounds that despite that attraction, you know he is bad news and you are avoiding him because of this, even though it still hurts that he ignores you. You are trying to keep yourself safe and that’s very important. All of these feelings are likely very unpleasant to be experiencing, but you are not crazy for feeling them.

What’s important is that you feel supported in making whatever decisions feel right for you in this situation.

If staying at your job feels absolutely necessary, have a safety plan in place. What will you do if you are working late again? Is there a way to ensure you will never be alone in the building with him? Do you think there is a chance he would try to assault you again if you were? When the assault happened, it sounds as though you were able to maintain your physical safety. Are there additional measures that you may want to take, such as carrying pepper spray or taking a self-defense class? Another myth regarding sexual assault and rape is that fighting back makes the situation worse for women, but studies show that the opposite is true.

The safety plan is important not only for your physical safety, but your emotional safety, as well. What do you need to cope with all the feelings that come up when you see him at work? Are there ways to minimize your contact with him?

Does seeing a therapist sound like an option for you? Lastly, it may be good to keep in mind that you are possibly not the only person in his life who he has tried to assault. There is a culture of silence and taboo around rape. At some point, you may find it useful to confide in a trusted co-worker who also knows him and may have had a similar experience.

In any case, trust your gut to know how to navigate this situation. Your survival strength is admirable.

C O C K - T A L E S “Thought?” Steve asks. “What do you mean?”

“Three years ago, I cared very deeply for a woman who wanted nothing to do with me,” Bill says.

“Wasn’t that love?” Steve asks.

“No, that was obsession,” Bill explains. “Then two years ago, I cared very deeply for an attractive woman who didn’t understand me.”

“Wasn’t that love?” asks Steve.

“No, that was lust,” Bill replies. “And just last year, I met a woman while I was on a cruise. She was gorgeous, intelligent, a great conversationalist and had a super sense of humour. Everywhere I followed her on that ship, I would get a very strange sensation in the pit of my stomach.”

Is it love?

“Well, wasn’t that love,” asks Steve.

Bill and Steve are enjoying a beer and dis“No. That was motion sickness!” Bill replies. cussing the possibility of love. “I thought I was in love three times,” Bill says.

A young man and a hot girl The Husband The man told his doctor that he wasn’t able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. The doctor started a long and thorough examination, but finally found nothing wrong with the man.

When the examination was complete, he said, “Now, Doc, I can’t take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me.”

“Well, in plain English,” the doctor replied, “ you’re just lazy.”

“Okay,” said the man. “Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife”.

C M Y K

A young man met this hot girl and she invited him for dinner before they go out later that night. On the day of the date he goes to the pharmacy and asks the Pharmacist for some condoms. “ what size pack do you want” the pharmacist asked. Boldly he states “ I have a date with a real hottie tonight and I am sure to score, she has a very sexy mother too so just to be safe give me a six pack”. He paid and left.

That night at the girl’s house, the dinner table was set and everyone was sitting at the table already waiting for the girl’s dad to return from work. As her father entered the kitchen and sat down, the boy grabbed the girls hand bowed his head and said let us pray and say grace for this wonderful food. He started the prayer and continued it for a very long time thanking everyone he could think of.

When he finally finished, the girl whispered to him “ I didn’t know you were so religious” He answered back ” I didn’t know your father is a PHARMACIST !!”

SATURDAY

Vanguard OCTOBER 27, 2012—19

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ecently, a former colleague told me that she was worried about an older brother who had suddenly gone religious.

According to her, this brother said “he could hear God talking to him through the radio. He also alleged that all of us in the family were evil because, we didn’t believe in the spiritual church. He thinks his own spiritual church and his beliefs are right. As wild as he looked when he made these allegations, it was obvious that he was cracking up? So how do you tell if someone close to you is cracking up?’

With all these named disasters and economic crunch plaguing the country wouldn’t it be nice to know?

Is your partner cracking up?

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ccording to psychia trists, there are seven clues to alert you. For instance, an unexpected change in behaviour is the big tip-off that a friend, relation or co-worker is suffering from emotional problems and may need professional help. Here are the seven clues to look for: •A person who is usually energetic acts tired and indifferent. The person may complain about being tired.

His work may be neglected and he doesn’t seem to care.

•A previous polite and caring person suddenly becomes insensitive.

Manners and social etiquette

and he or she may act rude— pushing ahead of others in a line, for example.”

•A person who usually controls his alcohol or drug

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When someone with no history of alcohol or drugabuse begins to abuse these substances, it can be a sign of mental illness

often fall apart during mental illness, said a psychiatrist.

“Words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ may disappear from the person’s vocabulary

intake loses control. When someone with no history of alcohol or drug-abuse begins to abuse these substances, it can be a sign of mental illness.

And drug abuse doesn’t necessarily have to mean illicit drugs — it also can mean prescribed drugs.

•A person who usually maintains stable relationship starts to develop difficulty with important ones. The person may have trouble dealing with people on the job — and with his or her spouse. He or she may resort to physical or emotional abuse and may yell or scream.

•A person with emotions in the normal range becomes despondent or shows rapid shifts in mood.

The person may begin to

have rapid shifts in emotions going from anger to playfulness, from sadness to giggles.

•A previously decisive person has trouble making decisions. Even the smallest decision, like choosing clothes, becomes difficult.

The person might make up his or her mind and then changes it possibly several times.

•A person with good hygiene develops poor hygiene. His or her clothes may be inappropriate,dirty or not ironed. Often,the person may wear the same clothes for days, not brush his or her teeth and bathe less frequently —and may even

begin to smell bad.

According to a recent publication in the medical journal, you could be a candidate for a nervous breakdown if you answer yes to six or more of the 12 questions: •Did you have a tragic childhood? A Parent’s death or separation?

•Was your childhood unsettled with constant moves, parents coming and going?

•Do you usually blame yourself when things go wrong?

•Have you always felt everyone is bigger, more clever, and nicer than you?

•Do you drink too much or take drugs?

•Are you the sort of person who thinks happiness won’t last?

•Have you always felt people criticize you behind your back?

•Do you find it difficult to express your feelings?

•Do you find it hard to be angry even when you’ve reason to be?

•Do you find it difficult to find and keep friends and lovers?

•Have you been exposed to a nervous breakdown sufferer, particularly when young?

•Are you pre-occupied with your health? Indeed, reading this, are you now convinced you’re having a nervous breakdown?

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ccording to the Psychiatrist:”in approaching someone you think needs help, do so in a caring manner.

Say something like; “something seems to be different about you. You’re not acting like your old self. I really care about you and I think you should talk to someone who is skilled about it”.

Stop that anger from boiling over!

ECONDS out, round one ... Every couple knows that moment when passion gives way to rage. When the one you were madly in love with is suddenly the one driving you mad. So, how do you deal with those feelings? Do you revel in a row or shrink from a skirmish?

Counsellors say that couples shouldn’t back away from arguments because bottling up emotions only lead to trouble. But some ways of reacting are simply unhelpful. Recognize yourself in any of them?

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he sulker: When you are mad, you wander around with a long face, banging saucepans, sighing heavily. You have to be coaxed into revealing what’s on your mind and always manage to make your partner feel he or she is in the wrong. You cannot see the funny side of things and refuse to be jollied out of your sulk. Below the belt line: “nothing’s the matter”.

The Nagger: You just go on and on.

A row is the perfect excuse for C M Y K

bringing up every petty grievance you have ever felt. You’ve got the memory of an elephant and are quite capable of remembering ill or imagined slights from years ago. You can start a raw just as you are about to meet friends for a night out, turning sugar-sweet once they arrive, and picking up the threads as soon as they leave. You can keep a raw simmering for days. Below the belt line,” ‘And another thing ... ‘ The Quitter: When things get too hot to handle, you simply walk out. You might lock yourself in the bathroom or go out for a drink, and then, you have to be wooed back. Or, you wait until your partner is so worried about you that he or she apologized when you return. In any case, you win even if you were in the wrong.

Below the belt line: We’ll talk when you calm down.”

The Martyr: You pretended to suffer in silence but when you’re annoyed, you create an atmosphere that can be cut with a knife. You may pretend to give in but you can’t lose with good grace and you make your partner suffer .. You develop headaches at bed time or mope around the house like a bear with a sore head. In the end, your partner can’t stand the

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Counsellors say that couples shouldn’t back away from arguments because bottling up emotions only lead to trouble tension and makes the peace.

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he Prophet: Whenever anything goes wrong you are the first to rejoice in disaster. You refuse to accept any blame, and you take delight in discovering

other people’s mistakes. Your holierthan-thou attitude is guaranteed to drive your partner around the bend while you can carry on assuming an air of calm. Below the belt lines! “I told you so”.

The doormat: You hate rows so much that you agree black was white to keep peace. You are so insecure you think that love can’t survive a few ups and downs. You can’t understand why the passivity drives your partner mad, though. Below the belt line: “Whatever.”

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he cry baby: You never stand up for yourself - you simply dissolved into tears. You have learned that you don’t have to be tough to get your own way. So, when things look too heavy to handle, you just turn on the water works. One day though, you will try the trick to often and your partner will have become waterproof. Below the belt line! “Boohoo”,

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012 ucy and her husband Peters recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of their marriage. The guests that attended the anniversary were marvelled at the closeness between the couple who despite their five children, still act as if they were still in courtship. Their romantic displays shocked only those who were just knowing them for the first time. As for their children and relations, the intimacy shared by the couple is not new. The kids have always known their parents to be very intimate and are hopeful to be like them in their own relationships.

Most of us believe that we want to have a loving and intimate relationship with a significant other. But we may not realize what that actually means. We may not be ready to deal with and reveal our own inner demons, those parts of ourselves that cause us to feel hurt, insecure, ashamed and embarrassed.

We may not be willing to accept those insecurities and unpleasant personality traits and actions in our so-called intimate partner. We may prefer to live in the illusion that there is someone out there We don’t need an ideal partner so strong and powerful and to fulfill our dreams; we need emotionally present that we to become our own ideal. don’t need to be anything but Marriage does not inevitably the same self we have always lead to loss of sexual desire, been and we will be loved excitement, and passion. forever.

Aging does not mean the end Indeed, intimacy, true sexual desire, sexual intimacy, may be the most attractiveness, and sexual difficult life task and the most behaviour. rewarding. Many of us feel insecure about the appearance any people have dis and functioning of our body. covered their passion, Most of us do not fit the media for the very first time, in the standards of male or female long term commitment of youthful beauty and strength. marriage or in the later stages

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Intimacy is scary: Are you ready?

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of life within a new and exciting relationship. In fact, many married couples continue to have passionate and pleasurable sex with their life time mate into their golden years.

The excitement and ongoing passion emerges when we feel seen and known and acknowledged as the fully alive man or woman that we are.

Intimacy does not always include sexual contact or even any form of touch. We can be

verbally intimate with a total stranger when we reveal out deepest fears and desires and needs. But that is fleeting and momentary intimacy that does not last. Just as many of us have experienced moments of pure love, moments of pure ecstasy, moments of religious luminosity, we would not claim to be living in a continual state of love, ecstasy or religious enlightenment.

Lasting intimacy occurs over time as we reveal our self, over and over and over again regardless of the responses we may receive in the moment, trusting and knowing that we are seeing and being seen by another.

Sexual contact does not insure intimacy. In fact, very often, the mere act of sexual contact interferes with the potential for true intimacy.

When our hormones are stimulated, we may become aggressive, clingy, selfabsorbed, or detached from the potential relationship available with another person.

Watching pornography can bring a sense of heightened arousal and sexual release without intimate contact or connection with anyone at all.

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owever, sexuality is not a separate part of our life, apart from the sensations in our body, the feelings in our heart, and the thoughts in our mind. Our sexuality expresses who we are, the culmination of our life experiences and our bodily memories. Sexuality does not first appear at puberty or adolescence or adulthood, as the media often suggests.

Our sexuality is with us from the moment of conception, and perhaps even earlier in our mother’s womb, and it remains

with us until the very end of our life. Male fetuses actually have erections in the womb and little girls’ vaginas lubricate during sleep.

Rarely does the media teach us how to handle the shyness and even shame so many of us feel or the difficulty many of us have connecting with potential sexual partners. We rarely hear about the fear of rejection, isolation, insecurity, and sexual problems we often experience in our most intimate relationships. And what about so many of us who are fully capable of loving one partner intimately but somehow fall in love with or lust after the one person who pushes us away, dangles a carrot of love only to disappoint us over and over again, leaving us in a mental state of self-annihilation.

There is little or no support for sensitive, kind, loving sexuality, based upon trusting our own body’s reaction and knowing a partner intimately for an extended period of time.

The prevailing belief, accepted as fact by most people, is that heightened sexual desire and passion are most prominent in the early, tentative, exploratory days of any relationship. But sexual pleasure can be even more heightened when we discover the magic of touching and being touched in just the way that reaches our inner longing.

And this happens most easily when we feel safe and are understood and accepted for the whole package that we are, including our most unattractive physical and emotional features.

I’m beautiful but I have no boyfriend I can’t seem to be noticed. I am told all the time that I am beautiful by my friends, but the guys don’t even give me a look. I wear semisexy (nothing revealing, just flattering) clothing and I stay in style. I have been asked to participate in beauty pageants. I am an undergraduate and I am 5’9" tall. Why can’t I get any male attention and how do I change this?

Omasan, Delta Ans: There are many reasons why we are attracted to other people. Our attractions may be fueled by someone’s “classic” beauty, or by the details of her or his face, body, and gestures that make each of us unique and intriguing. We may appreciate

someone’s sensitivity, creative side, intellect, or her or his engaging way of telling a story. You said you are beautiful, tall and smart . But relationships develop based on much more than these objective traits.

How would you describe your behaviour when you are with other people? Are you warm and friendly? Do you introduce yourself and invite conversation, or wait for others to make the first move? How do you show people that you are interested in what they have to say? Think about what makes you feel good when you are talking with other people. One of the most successful ways to increase people’s interest in you is to sincerely

communicate your interest in them.

Although you may not realize it, you may be giving off signals to others that make it difficult for them to approach you. By reaching out to them with a genuine smile, you can show that you are accessible and down-to-earth.

Sometimes, this can be hard, though. Perhaps you are so nervous about how you look and how you are behaving that you don’t notice when a potential love-interest is testing the waters. Many couples meet through activities which keep them focused on a mutual goal, and allow them to just “be themselves.” Maybe you love to sing and there’s a chorus at your

school or local community centre you can join. Or, maybe you could join a book discussion group, or take a photography course. Doing something you love can make you feel good and feeling good is always contagious.

Whatever the activity, there are sure to be lots of new, interesting people with which to share your experiences.

Talk with your friends about what it is that they were attracted to in you, and how they think you are seen by other people. The likelihood is

that there is more to their interest in you than how you look on the outside.

*Destiny, 32, handsome, graduate and gainfully needs an educated, employed lady of 2 5employed, desires a lovely giirl of 18-31 for a 43 for marriage on 08076355362 serious relationship that will lead to marriage on •Ayomide, 50, an engineer , based in that will lead to marriage on 07067504523 08089353066 Lagos, wants a lady aged 35-45 from the •Ayinde, male, 44, Christian, educated, employed , Yoruba, *Idemu, 49, widower, with two children, needs a South West for christian born again lady of 37 years and marriage on above who is gainfully employed or into Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want 08154677743 business and must be resident in Delta to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com •Taofik Ajibola, state on 07034362180 31, lives and works •Race, 34, fair, single, from Imo State , Do you want to be linked? in Lagos, wants a Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be based in Lagos, desires a working class lady of 23-26 years linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people for a serious woman on 08162782661 who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or •Efosa, 30, from Edo, needs a reliable relationship on embarrassments some people may encounter in the process. lady of 23-26 for a serious relationship 08052355875 C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—21

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ou’ve taken sex education; you have hands-on experience and have seen every episode of ‘Sex and the City’ —twice. So, you think you know a lot about sex?

Here are things your health teacher most certainly never taught you.

Things nobody ever told you about sex

Women can ejaculate, too Although a hotly debated issue, many women claim that before or during orgasm, they expel a fluid that’s not urine and not vaginal lubrication.

It’s a clear, odourless fluid that comes out of the urethra itself (or its surrounding ducts) and can range from a few drops to a flood. It can happen as a result of G-spot stimulation and takes practice and a sense of letting go to have this experience. But don’t fret if you aren’t able to do it. Don’t be alarmed if happens either.

The left side is best for a woman’s pleasure According to sex-workshop leaders, there’s actually a specific area of the clitoris that’s the most sensitive. They say in every female, that the upper left quadrant of the clitoral head is the most pleasurable spot to touch. So a little to the left is the way to go.

Many women experience Post-Coital Bleeding If you see red after intercourse, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting your period…or that anything has ripped. You could be experiencing postcoital bleeding, a condition that can sometimes result from an infection of the cervix or a polyp. While most post-coital bleeding isn’t life-threatening, you should still see your OB/ GYN. Only he or she can tell if treatment is required.

Your desire is often related to your menstrual cycle It’s no coincidence that many

•Texting doubles ability to succeed.

Women can orgasm an unlimited amount of times After orgasm, men experience a refractory period during which they lose their erection. Women don’t need the same recovery time. Women have unlimited capacity. Often they think that once they experience their first orgasm, that they are done.

On the contrary, women have the ability to experience one orgasm after another. Both genders can have multiple orgasms but that men must master specific techniques in order to do so. This means the man must understand his body enough to know when to decrease stimulation right

They say in every female, that the upper left quadrant of the clitoral head is the most pleasurable spot to touch

,

women experience an increase in sexual desire around the time they ovulate. That’s when testosterone levels are at their peak and, well, testosterone makes you frisky —just ask any guy. In fact, it’s a pretty neat trick of biology that we would want sex right around the time we’re most likely to get pregnant!

,

before he ejaculates. Once he’s achieved this, you’ve got a partner to ride the wave of successive orgasms with!

Sex doesn’t slow down for many elderly people Seniors don’t spend all day getting reduced price tickets to the movies. Many of

them are too busy going all the way! Sexual attraction and connection is a life-long drive, says a certified sex educator.

So if your sex life is a little lackluster, don’t blame it on age. For many older women the reason they aren’t having sex is simply a matter of opportunity. Make time for sex, and sex will happen.

Having sex can make you look sexier When a woman does the deed, her estrogen levels double. This can make her hair shinier and her skin softer. Estrogen seems to be the fountain of youth for women. It can even keep the body enriched with more moisture in the walls of the vagina. Think of sex as the ultimate beauty treatment and get them nice and often.

One ejaculation yields only about a teaspoon of semen You may want to keep this one secret from your man, especially if he thinks his love juice could fill up a quart every time he makes love. “Despite claims, the majority of men have about 1-2 teaspoons of ejaculate, maybe more if he hasn’t orgasmed in quite some

time.

Humans and dolphins are the only mammals that have sex solely for pleasure.

The truth is, as humans, we can savor and enjoy sex and not just think of it for procreation purposes.

Don’t take this gift for granted and crank up the dial a little bit tonight— turn on some soft music, light a few candles and make like a dolphin.

Sex can actually lower stress levels and keep you from getting sick Did you know that when you’re super busy, getting busy can be just the thing to keep you sane? That’s because intercourse can lower blood pressure levels, making you less prone to stress. Regular sex can also give you higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which helps ward off colds and other infections. So, in case you ever needed an excuse for nooky, there you go.

Strengthening the PC muscle equals better bladder control and better sex You do crunches for your abs, but when was the last

time you did your Kegels? It’s an exercise... (similar to stopping the flow of urine when you’re peeing). The PC muscle can help with bladder control, but even better, it can make your orgasms more intense.

The move: hold your PC muscle (like you were holding in urine) for 10 seconds, then release for 10 seconds. That’s one.

Repeat 10 times. For optimal Kegels, do three sets a day.

Sex usually lasts less than 10 minutes We’ve all seen those montages where a couple stays up all night doing it on every available surface, not stopping to eat or even take a bathroom break. But, in reality sex is usually not an all-night affair.

There is nothing wrong with your love life! If you want it to last longer, your guy needs to get in touch with his body to be able to slow down his arousal arc. He can use techniques such as breath control to help him last longer.

Falling asleep after sex is normal for men — and women There’s a reason you and your honey feel tired after sex (and it’s usually not because one of you doesn’t feel like reciprocating). After sex, oxytocin is released and that hormone is responsible for calming you and even inducing sleep.

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

Behold Next Movie Star finalists' mentors !

•Grace Amah

•Jude

•Tony

•Hassan

OPULAR Actors, Jude Orhorha, Tony Umez and Doyin Hassan have been enlisted to mentor the finalists of the Next Movie Star 2012 during the reality show ’s annual training and grooming session.

The 10-day session is one of the unique selling points of the show whereby finalists are taken into a secured and secluded environment where they undergo intense training and mentoring sessions by experts and professionals in the industry and allied sectors before the show proper goes on air.

Last Monday, actor-turnedacademic, Dr. Doyin Hassan,

lectured the finalists on ‘The Actor And Acting’ wherein he clinically highlighted some of the essentials that make an actor thick. Later on, another popular actor, Ralph-Niyi Stevens, took the finalists through the ‘Science of Acting (Screen/N Stage). On the second day, it was the turn of veteran sitcom actor, Jude Orhorha, whose paper dwelt on ‘Acting as a profession’.

Trado-contemporary dancer, Femi Fadeyi was next as he took the finalists through the whole gamut of dance with his paper, ‘Intro to movement and dance’. Other celebrity speakers included

Umez who spoke on ‘Welcome to Nollywood’, Marketing communications expert, Kingsley James, was also on hand to deliver a lecture on ‘Making Money with your Talent (Perception/ Position)’ and beefy entertainment entrepreneur and proprietor of KISS Events, Howie Tee, who spoke on ‘Managing Stardom’.

Television star, Bukky Ogunnote’s paper dwell on ‘Can Acting save a Film?’, while one of the break away stars of the Super Story series, Sam Uche Anyamele spoke on ‘Acting as a Tool for Social Reengineering.’

According to the executive

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‘I’m back and better’ ANOZIE EGOLE

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op Nollywood actress, Grace Amah, who has been missing on screen for some time now may have finalised plans to stage a comeback to her first loveacting.

Amah took a break early last year in order to have her son abroad. Since then, she has been missing on screen.

The Actress was spotted at a

celebrity event last week in Lagos, where she announced return to acting after months of disappearing from the screen.

“I stayed off the screen all these months to be able to nurture my baby. But now, I’m back again in full force.

At the moment, I have featured in two movies which are yet to be released.”Amah said.

Nonso Diobi, Sylvia Nduka to host BON awards

Clem Ohameze battles for The Kingdom A

fter a very long break from the mainstream, veteran Actor, Clem Ohameze has resurfaced again. He is one of the cast of a mind-blowing, yet-to-be released movie, The Kingdom.

Ohameze starred in the bigbudget movie alongside notable Actors in the likes of actressturned evangelist, Eucharia Anunobi, Van Vicker, Jibola Daboh, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Tade Adelana, Chelsea Ezeamong other renowned actors.

The Kingdom, from the stable of De Kross Movies Production, was directed by Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi and shot in Abuja, for several weeks with high-end-equipment and tested crew members.

Speaking on the project, Chris• Clem topher Ozoemena, the executive producer of the movie disclosed that the flick was shot for the international market. “The Kingdom, was painstakingly shot on High Definition, thus making it an international movie project.”

“Being a big-budget movie, we decided to do something different from the usual Nollywood style.

Grace Amah

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rganisers of the Best of Nollywood Awards(BON) has named sensational actor, Nonso Diobi and former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria(MBGN), Sylvia Nduka as host for this year ’s edition of the annual awards.

They also named veteran actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, Emem Isong and Tunde Kelani as some distinguished Nollywood practitioners expected at this year ’s event, which holds on Sunday, November 11, 2012.

The brand Manager of BON, Miss Onye said, BON decided to celebrate these practitioners following their individual contributions towards the development of the industry.

According to her, the Revelation of the Year category is the most competitive of all the three categories of the awards this year. It has Amanda Ebeye, Seyi Ashekun, Moyo Lawal, Ifeanyi Kalu,Tunde Owoniran and KC Ejelonu battling for the prize.

• Sylvia

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—23

From India, Enebeli Elebuwa sends message of hope, thanks Uduaghan ETERAN Actor, Enebeli Elebuwa popularly known as Andrew Checking Out who was knocked down by a devastating stroke last year, said he is getting better.

He spoke on telephone penultimate Friday, from his hospital bed in India to Oji Onoko, a journalist who has been monitoring his recovery since Delta State government moved him to Abuja in June this year.

In a voice reminiscent of his great acting days, Elebuwa who hails from Utagba-Uno in Ndokwa West local government area of Delta State, said he owes a debt of gratitude to the Delta State government which has been taking care of him since the debilitating illness started November last year. He disclosed that the State dispatched its Commissioner of Culture and a renowned Actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, RMD, to him at the Surulere hospital, Lagos where he was initially admitted immediately after with enough funds that took care of his treatment there and the two other hospitals he was referred to.

“Honestly, I am overwhelmed by the support and encouragement of Delta State to my plight”, he said.

“But for the State’s intervention, I really don’t know what would have happened to me”, he added, stressing that the State governor, Dr. Emmanuel

V

The ANCOP-FIAPF Copyright Forum

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•Enebeli Uduaghan should be praised for his efforts in saving the life of a fellow Deltan.

“The State flew me to an Indian facility in Abuja in June this year when my condition was deteriorating in Lagos”, he disclosed. He said that was where for the first time he was able to stand

unaided for three minutes after a two-month stay. “And when my condition could not improve beyond that point, the governor directed that I should be moved to India where I am currently receiving treatment and getting better by the day”.

s part of their advocacy functions, the Associa tion of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), France, earlier this week in Lagos organized a one-day forum on copyright. The highly informative and educative event attracted some of the very best in the Nigerian entertainment industry either as guest speakers, panelists or participants.

Big names like Charles Igwe, Amaka Igwe, Kunle Afolayan, Chief Tony Okoroji, Efere Ozako, Patrick Doyle, Tony Abulu, Jennifer Eliorgu, Ejike Asiegbu, Mayo Ayilaran, Charlie Boy, Majek Fasheck, Igwe Gabosky, Emeka Mba, Oritz Wilikie, Isaac Moses, Nneka Moses, Chris Ekejimbe and a host of others joined the leader of FIAPF delegation from France, Mr. Bertrand Moullier to take a critical look at the current trends in copyright at local and international levels and how it affects the key interest of Intellectual Property (IP) owners in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

My concern however, is the rather sad and pathetic attempt by some moribund associations/guilds and some spent forces in Nollywwod to unduly politicize a workshop meant to inform and educate IP owners in the Nigerian audio-visual sector. In fact, some of these characters and jokers demanded to be paid before they can attend the forum! This is a manifest poverty of the mind. There is a total disconnect between the leadership and membership of some of the so-called associations and guilds in Nollywood. The interest of most of these leaders and their clique is not to serve their members but mainly to use the platform as their meal ticket. All they do is scamper to Abuja and other State capitals to trade off the industry for their selfish interest.

Is it not sad that today, key stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment industry have been reduced to mere clappers, dancers and jesters for the amusement of politicians? Serious issues that will move the industry forward makes no meaning to leaders of these enterprising brief-case associations and guilds. Pity!

However, my good friend and brother, Efere Ozako believes very strongly that the old Nollywood is dead and the new Nollywood is alive and taking shape. I cannot agree less with this truism and ANCOP is proud to be part of this new dawn.

NFC boss out with Reel Views and Behind the Scenes

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W

inners have emerged in the 17th African Film Awards 2012 a.k.a Afro Hollywood Awards at a special ceremony held in Akure, Ondo State capital, last week.

Sultry Actresses, Tonto Dike and Helen Paul were some of the winners of the awards organised by African Voice Newspaper, UK. The high point of the event was when a new entrant, Kiki Omeili who starred in “Married But Living Single” was adjudged winner of Best Actress in supporting role in an English language film. She defeated Oge Okoye and Nse Ikpe Etim to clinch the prize, while Tonto Dike emerged Best Actress of the

•Tonto

eel Views and “Behind the Scenes” are two set of books which were presented to the public in Abuja last Tuesday by the Nigerian Film Corporation.

The new titles are a collection of reviews, selected speeches and papers on the Nigerian and African Film industry by Afolabi Adensanya, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the apex Film Agency, (NFC).

In a release by Nigerian Film Corporation, the significance of the two Books lie not only in the depth of information they provide on the Nigerian and African Film Industries, but also furnishes a critical analysis, providing suggestions, germane to the sustainable development of the motion picture industry beyond Nigeria’s and Africa’s borders.

While “Reel Views” is a critical collection of the writings of Adesanya, covering over two decades of his professional life and provides refreshing perspectives to Film making as an independent Film maker and Photojournalists, writer and Film scholar, “Behind the Scenes”, takes a delve into the almost eight years of Adesanya’s administration of Nigeria’s apex film agency, as it’s Chief Executive.

Scholars and students of Nigerian cinema, according to Prof. Femi Shaka, will find this new work, “Very educative and thought provoking.

year, defeating Omoni Oboli and Chika Ike. The winners will be attending the prestigious annual awards slated for November 3, in London. At the event also, the winner of the African Actor of the Year will be announced.

The contest is between Joseph Benjamin of Nigeria (Tango With Me), Van Vicker of Ghana and one of South Africa’s leading Actors, Jafta Mamabolo (famed for his role in Otelo Burning).

Prince Mike Abiola, publisher of African Voice Newspaper UK and Chairman of the awards organisation, said, “I am so pleased with the result of the distinguished and independent panel of film critics who watched many Nollywood films to arrive at the winners. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.

“The decision to host the

24— Vanguard, SATURDAY , OCTOBER 27, 2012

Flavour to be missed at Top10 MICS

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ntertainment powerhouse, Koga Entertainment has announced that popular music act, Flavour will no longer be performing at this year ’s music concert scheduled to hold at the exquisite Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, November 30.

Reason; the Onyi na Tumo crooner is due to travel to Malaysia any moment from now.

It now means that Hypertek Honcho and African crooner, 2face Idibia, GOOD Music star, Dbanj, Afrobeat Maestro, Femi Kuti, Afro juju exponent, Sir Shina Peters will be performing live at this year ’s concert. Ace comedian, Bright Okpocha a.k.a BasketMouth will host the music concert which has been tagged the mother of all concerts.

The concert’s maiden edition held last year at the expansive Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) but is now returning to the upscale Eko Hotels and Suites this year.

Top music acts headlined last year’s concert, the likes of 2face, MI, P Square, Femi Kuti, Mocheddah, Obesere, Duncan Mighty, Wizkid, Eldee and Sir Shina Peters with the father of comedy, Ali Baba anchoring the event with Chioma of STV. Shedding more light on what fans would expect at this year’s concert, Anu Awoseyi of Koga Entertainment said ‘’the show is still coming up on the 30th of November 2012 with the above-mentioned artistes on parade except Flavour who won’t be a part of the concert anymore. We at Koga intend staging the best musical concert of 2012, that plan hasn’t changed at all”

Elizabeth Taylor tops the Top 10 richest dead celebs list I

t’s been revealed that Dame Elizabeth Taylor is, despite having tragically passed away in March last year, is still making some good money.

So much so that the ‘Cleopatra’ star has topped the list of the Top 10 richest dead celebs of all time.

According to American business magazine Forbes’ list of the highestearning dead celebrities, screen goddess Elizabeth Taylor has beaten ‘Thriller ’ singer Michael Jackson to the top spot with her whopping $210 million fortune.

That puts Dame Elizabeth Taylor ’s estate $45 million ahead of any LIVING celebrity - which we’re sure will have her laughing all the way to the Pearly Gates. $184 million of the legendary Actress’ fortune came from Taylor ’s recordbreaking Christie’s auction, which sold off her fine jewelry, costumes and art work.

And there’s no denying that, without that explosive one-time auction, Michael ‘King of Pop’ Jackson would have continued to reign as the highest-paid celeb, deceased or..., y’know, not-so-

Dialect signs new deal with Morgan Entertainment,gets SVU

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o r g a n entertainment, one of Nigeria’s leading record labels, weeks back signed a new act, Felix Otuokere with stage name

Dialect.

Dialect as he prefers to be called, did not only get signed on to the label’s imprint but got a brand new Honda Element SUV from the label management.

It would be recalled that from inception, Morgan entertainment have developed a culture of signing on an act with a car attached. It started with late MC Loph, who got a brand new 2007 model Durango SUV, to Konga and Ned, who were also given brand new 2005 model Cadilac STS and

Honda Legend, respectively.

Not only did these acts get cars, the label also got them well furnished apartments in Festac Town.

According to the label boss, Emeka Morgan Oguejior who is based in the United States, ‘the essence of all these, is to ensure the free flow of creativity among our artistes.

It might also interest you to know that apart from the cars, the apartment and other things, we have erected a state of art recording studio where all Morgan Entertainment acts can go and do all their recordings too. We have all these things available at their beck and core, because we believe creativity flows when your mind is at rest.’

•Elizabeth Taylor deceased.

Michael Jackson made a cool $145 million this year, mostly from music sales, the ‘Thriller Live’ tour and his stakes in the infamous Cirque De Soleil.

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ut, despite MJ sitting $90 million ahead of Elvis Presley’s third place cash sum, it’s worth remembering that Elvis left the building way back in 1977... and the ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ singer is still as popular as ever!

Liz Taylor passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

The screen goddess who dazzled the whole world with her talent, beauty and posh Hollywood lifestyle, died of ‘congestive heart failure’.

Check out the full highest-paid dec list of the Top 10 eased celebs: 1. Elizabeth Ta yl 2. Michael Ja or: $210 million ckson: $145 m illion 3. Elvis Presl ey 4. Charles Sch : $55 million u 5. Bob Marle lz: $37 million y: $17 million 6. John Lenn on 7. Marilyn M : $12 million on 7. Albert Einst roe: $10 million ei 9. Theodor G n: $10 million eisel: $9 milli on 10. Steve McQ u 10. Bettie Pag een: $8 million e: $8 million

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ialect, the new entrant into the Morgan Entertainment family is based in the eastern part of Nigeria, where he has over the years strived to stand tall among his peers in the course of his musical career, which started in 2001 with three albums to his credit.

Dialect whose talent cuts across singing and dancing is also a respected producer and

a graphic designer. He has songs like Janglover, I Send Dem” ft Vector and Oshe among other, to his credit. He will be dropping his album, Break out which will feature acts like P-square, Flavour, Na’Bania among others, anytime soon.

On the new deal, Dialect said, “‘’I give God the glory, and to everyone who was an instrument to this new dawn for me.”

Vanguard, SATURDAY , OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 25

By Mukosolu Nzom & Ezinne Njoku

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he Yori-Yori crooners,Vast and Smash of Bracket music group surely got something exciting for their fans during this Sallah holiday as they have dropped a new single, ‘Temperature.”

The music duo who disclosed this, in a telephone chat with Showtime, said, they decided to come out with a new single in order to maintain the tempo. “We don’t want to bore our fans that’s why we decided to release this new single to keep them busy.” they said.

The duo has really moved up in the music world and now rubs shoulders with the best. Few months ago, they embarked on a musical tour of the United States of America and Germany. The group’s latest single will be an addition to its growing profile in the African music scene.

Juanita Bynum storms Nigeria for fire confab T

he Nigerian Christendom and specially gospel music lovers will be privileged to be treated with superlative music performances and ministrations from the internationally acclaim and multi-talented prophetess,Dr. Juanita Bynum.

Juanita Bynum is making a remarkable visit to Nigeria in December. Her visit promises to usher in a spiritual revival for Nigeria. The highly esteemed American-born gospel Artiste, actress and televangelist will be the centre of attraction at this year’s revival Assembly’s International Fire Conference 2012, which she is also headlining as the guest speaker and artiste.

In a statement by the Church, under the leadership of popular clergyman, Apostle Anselm Maduluko, the conference will hold for three-days, from December 14, through 17, at the Church auditorium, located around Ogba area of Lagos.

According to the statement, the Conference which is set to ‘fire up’ Lagos and its environs will feature best of gospel music from Bynum and notable Nigerian gospel acts such as Chioma Jesus, Uche Agu from South Africa and Higher Dimension Choir.

Juanita Bynum, world renowned televangelist, author, actress and gospel singer was born in January 16, 1959, at Chicago Illinois, United states. Bynum is one of 5 children, of Elder Thomas Bynum Sr. and Katherine Bynum. She grew up in Chicago, and received a starring role in Perry Middle School’s annual play, My Fair Lady. Bynum attended saints’ Academy Church of God in Christ (COGIC) High School (a boarding school) in Lexington, Mississippi.

Bynum was raised as attendee at St. Luke Church of God in Christ, in Chicago, a Pentecostal church.

C M Y K

Bracket out with new single

•Bracket

Maleke raises N6m for kidney patient 2nd batch of car winner, Oluchi and Dr Adebayo at the presentation ceremony

Student shines as 1st female winner emerges in star Time To Shine Promo

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tame Oluchi, a student of Ogun State Insititute of Technology and David Nwankwo, a Bauchi state based commercial driver, are certainly shining this month with their brand new 2012 Toyota Corolla cars.

Both individuals emerged the second batch of car winners in the ongoing Star Time To Shine Promo, the biggest in the history of premium lager beer, Star.

Now with the car, 22-year-old Otame says that her status has been elevated in school.

“Now I am a different person. Everybody will want to be my friend when I get back to school,” she said.

It didn’t matter to, Otame, the first lady to win a car in this year ’s promo, that she cannot drive. She says the car will motivate her to improve on her driving skills. “I don’t even know how to drive. It is funny but that is the truth. With this car that I have won, learning how to drive has become the first item on my agenda, “she said.

As for David Nwankwo, a Bauchi State based commercial driver and the second car winner on the day, the brand new Toyota Corolla car is the answer to his prayers: “I have been praying to God for my own personal car for a while now. Now I have it.

T

he popular comic act and musician based in the Niger Delta region, Idowu Moye, a.k.a Maleke has raised over N6 million for a Benin artist, Esohe Osagiede who is presently down with kidney related Maleke disease.

Esohe has been battling the illness for some time now . Unfortunately his family has not been able to raise the N8 million required by an Indian hospital for the treatment until Maleke got to know about the patient’s predicament.

However, Maleke who originally organised an occasion which was supposed to be the launch of his new album, having invited notable musicians such as 2face, Abdulkarim and many others, turned out to become a fund raising event for the ailing Esohe and totally ignore to benefit anything for his album launch.

According to him, “I know I spent millions of Naira to organise the occasion which was originally planned to be the launch of my new album. But luckily for us, all my friends that graced the occasion made donations and at least, we were able to raise N6 million.”

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

Taylor Swift splits from Conor Kennedy S

•Taylor

inger Taylor Swift is single again after splitting from her boyfriend Conor Kennedy, according to a US report.

The unlucky-in-love country star romanced the 18-year-old son of Robert F Kennedy, Jr throughout the summer and spent long weekends at his family’s compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

Swift later flew the high school senior to meet her parents in Nashville, Tennessee and she also purchased a beachside home in the same

Cape Cod neighbourhood as her beau’s grandmother, Ethel Kennedy.

However, after just a few months of dating, the pair has called it quits due to distance issues - Conor is currently enrolled in a Massachusetts boarding school, while the country star is touring the world promoting her new album Red, which was released this week.

A source tells UsMagazine.com, “They quietly parted ways a while ago. It was just a distance thing. No hard feelings.

They’re fine... It’s been over a month since they’ve even seen each other. With her promotion for Red, she has no time off until the end of the year.”

It’s the latest high-profile romance that has fallen flat for Swift - she has also dated Jake Gyllenhaal, John Mayer, Joe Jonas and Taylor Lautner.

FOX announces premiere dates for ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Following’

•Linda

Linda Nolan regrets not having children I

Tina, Jessica, and Joe Simpson

Jessica Simpson’s parents split after 34 years of marriage

•American idol

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he network announced last Wednesday “American Idol” will launch its 12 th season with a two-night premiere on January 16 and 17, 2013.

The first night will be a twohour show featuring the return of host Ryan Seacrest and judge Randy Jackson and the introduction of new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.

Kevin Bacon’s muchanticipated new thriller “The Following” debuts at 8 p.m.

Jan. 21. The drama follows an ex-FBI agent (Bacon) called out of retirement track down the serial killer (James Purefoy) who has created a growing web of killers using the internet.It will air on M o n d a y s .

The second season of Kiefer Sutherland’s drama “Touch” returns at 8 p.m. Fridays starting Feb. 1.

This season, single father C M Y K

Martin Bohm (Sutherland) and his gifted son, Jake (David Mazouz), find themselves at the center of a global conspiracy involving a mother in search of her missing teenage daughter, a mathematical genius and a religious zealot assassinating others with abilities like J a k e ’ s .

The severely autistic child can’t communicate with his desperate single father but can perceive the seemingly hidden patterns that connect every life on the planet. It’s up to Martin to interpret t h e m .

Joining the cast this season are Maria Bello (“ER”), Lukas Haas (“24”), Said Taghmaoui (“G.I. Joe: The Rise of The Cobra”) and newcomer Saxon S h a r b i n o .

The premiere date for “The Goodwin Games” will be announced later.

ust as Jessica Simpson is planning her wedding, her parents are ending their own marriage. On Wednesday, Joe and Tina Simpson announced they ’re divorcing after 34 years.

“It is an amicable split and there is no third party involved,” the couple said in a statement. “Any other related allegations are completely false. The family appreciates your respect for their privacy at this time.”

Those allegations they’re referring to is a National Enquirer report this week that the minister-turned-manager recently confessed to his family that he is gay. “Joe got the family together about two months ago and came out of the closet,” a source told the tabloid.

Whether or not that’s true, it has been a tough couple of months for the

J

famous father. In August, he was arrested for DUI in Sherman Oaks, California. If convicted, the 54-year-old could face a maximum of six months in jail, three years probation, and a $1,000 fine.

According to “Entertainment Tonight,” Tina filed divorce papers in McLennan County, Texas, on September 24, just two weeks after her husband plead not guilty to DUI. In the filing, she specified, “The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities.”

Days later, Joe responded with his own divorce petition, insisting that his wife gets nothing from him in the split, reports TMZ. The estranged couple also recently put their Encino, California, mansion on the market for $4.3 million.

rish singer Linda Nolan is planning to open her home to troubled youngsters after admitting she deeply regrets not having children of her own.

The Nolans star put off becoming a mother to focus on her showbiz career, but now wishes she had taken the time to start a family of her own.

She tells The Lancashire and North West magazine, “I never had children of my own.

It was my own fault. I put my career first and, in the end, it was too late. That’s something I deeply regret.”

Now the 53 year old wants to become a foster parent and take children into her care.

She adds, “I hope I will be given the chance to show some children that people can love you and that you can feel safe and happy with the adults who look after you.

“All children should feel that - I certainly did - but sadly, it’s not the case for some.”

28 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012

I am a different person when I’m on the red-carpet —Rita Dominic R

ita Dominic made history last weekend when she emerged‘ from the blues to premiere a big budget movie, “The Meeting” which many industry watchers believe relaunched her into the mainstream of the movie world after months of staying off the screen. The premiere, however marked a turning point in her acting career as she shares her success with Showtime Celebrity.

My disposition am a very shy person but people find it difficult to believe me when I say this. Actors are the mostly shy people in the world. It’s hard to find an actor who does not feel comfortable playing the character that has been created for him. But when it is time for him to be himself, he or she is usually a shy person. I was telling one of my friends some time ago that I have different personalities when I walk down the red carpet. I’m another person and not probably the Rita Dominic you know. I tell myself, don’t be shy, just hit the red carpet with boldness.

I

Winning an AMAA award with a Kenyan film I am not surprised because I always believe when you do a good film, you will be recognised for it, whether it is a Nigerian film, Kenyan film or any country in the world.

AMAA has their own criteria for selecting an award winning film. It could have been a Nigerian film. But I must say I put in my best in “Shattered”, because of the character I played and the storyline. It does not have to be a Kenyan film.

I just felt at that point in time that “Shattered” was one film that I have done in my whole career that gave me an award at AMAA. Longing to win an award before now I have been nominated for an award at AMAA before now. But I once told myself, I want to win an award at AMAA for a film I worked for. And “Shattered” helped to realsie that dream. I was happy and I walked with my head high. I did not want to be nominated for an award for a film that wasn’t challenging as ‘’Shattered’’; a film I did not put in so much effort. I wanted to be nominated for a good film that has quality and is challenging.

Between Shattered and The Meeting It is hard to answer this question. May be, ‘’Shattered’’ was a lead role, so also is “The Meeting’’, I have never played a cankerous role like I did in “The Meeting.’’. It is a different role.

•Rita Dominic C M Y K

My conncetion with Kenyans I was in Kenya about two years ago when then Nigerian Ambassador to Kenya, and his wife invited me as a special Guest of Honor, for the 50th independence celebration of the country. I observed the celebration with them.

Thereafter, I was in the country again during the AMAA nomination party. About five months later, precisely in June, 2010, my manager got a call from Kenyan ambassador to Nigeria that there is a Kenyan film producer that would want to meet with me, and discuss moderalities in terms of featuring me in his new movie and all that.

Twenty five days after, instead of sending the script to me, the said producer decided to fly into the country to meet with me. And when I saw the script, I fell in love with it.

From then on, we established a working relationship and exchange of ideas. Everything happened so fast and before I knew what was happening, a deal aws struck.

,

BENJAMIN NJOKU

I once told myself, that I want to win an award at AMAA for a film I worked for. And “Shattered” helped me to realise that dream

,

Working in Kenya It was very fantastic. Kenya is like a second home to me. Kenyans do not joke with me and I love them for that. Could you imagine that they went after me on twitter, wanting to know when I will be visiting their country again.

The movie called The Meeting It has been several months of hardwork. We even had to suspend shooting for months just because we wanted permission to shoot at the airport in Abuja.

Then there was the challenge of sourcing funds and the challenge of finding appropriate locations. So we had to commit funds to building sets. But we are satisfied with what we got.

I am glad at the comment that people have been making. Someone said he liked the fact that it is a truly Nigerian story that cuts across borders. That’s the idea. To sign a truly Nigerian story that addresses an array of contemporary issues. But generally, I consider this era a new one for Nollywood and it can only get better from here.

The Meeting tells the story of a corporate executive

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 29

that it has been very challenging raising funds for this film. Most investors don’t want to fund movies because some of them have done that before and they got their fingers burnt.

We are still faced with the problem of accessing the intervention fund of the Federal Government. It is still difficult because the banks still insist that we must come with heavy collaterals. But I hear some people have been able to access it.

•Rita Dominic

who flies to Abuja to make an important 9:30am meeting with the Honorable Minister of Land and Resources. He is scheduled to return with the afternoon flight same day to his office. But the unexpected happened, when he is faced with challenges from the Minister’s secretary( Rita Dominic) and he is forced to remain in Abuja on the insistence of his boss( Jide Kosoko) so as to ensure the Minister signs all necessary documents that would save his company.While in Abuja, he meets up with a young lady who introduces him to the city, and for the first time after his wife’s death, he begins to fall in love again. ost of producing The Meet ing I can’t put a figure to it because we are still spending. But it is certainly a big budget film because we are still spending on the film and I must say

C

Whether it is the role for me I will say this and more including Shattered and particularly “Shattered” which earned me the AMAA awards for best actress in a leading role. I played lead in “Shattered” and so I was everywhere and so it demanded that I would be in every scene. I didn’t play the lead in “The Meeting” but it is certainly different from all the roles I have played. I have never played a cantankerous 50year-old or any role like that. But all the roles I have played have been different and unique in their own ways, a reason I said this and many more, like Street of Calabar and 76 by Izu Ojukwu. All the characters I have played recently are very unique and challenging. And I want to keep pushing myself. I want to go way beyond the ordinary as far as role interpretation is concerned.

Were you bothered stepping down to play a sub-lead role in your movie o, I was not and I don’t even care what role it is.

The story is what is important to me. I mean my first nomination at the AMAA awards was as best supporting actress. I didn’t say to myself ‘why will they nominate me for a supporting role?’ No. So, it is more about the story and whether I fit into the role. I don’t like to force myself into a role I don’t fit into and that is what

N

we try to do in our company;to cast right, cast properly and to maintain best international standards and practice

Celebrity Notebook

Why I ventured into production It does pay to act even though it can be better. However, my decision to venture into production has a lot to do with my passion for the arts. I love the arts so much. I have always wanted to partake in the various fields of film making. I have done acting, now I am combining it with production.

Who knows I might try directing in the future. So, first and foremost, it is my own way of giving back to the industry by encouraging up and coming talents as well. We need to give them the opportunity and chance to shine and that is exactly what I have done in The Meeting.

M

y driving force in the industry I will give all the glory to God, and then the support of my family, my fans and my management. Also, I never say to myself that I know everything. The day you stop learning is the day you begin to lose it. There is no end to learning. So, we need to keep learning everyday and with each new work. Even when you have played it before, you can always find ways to play it differently.

The wedding bell Very soon and you will be duly invited when it is time.

And if you have not heard anything about my private life, it is because I have been guarding that aspect jealously.

As an actress, I already live my life for the public. So, the little I can guard, I guard jealously and try to keep it private.

Between Ini Edo and I There was no fight between Ini and myself. In fact, Ini is like a younger sister and colleague to me. I have always advised her in the past and we have a long standing relationship. I don’t think, there is anything going on between us.

Why I was missed on screen after starring in White Waters Starring in “White Waters was an eye-opener to the kind of roles I could play in movies. It was also, an indication that my career need to go to certain places. After starring in that movie, went into hibernation where I asked myself a lot of questions bothering on the direction I want to take my career to. For some time, my fans missed me on screen. I was busy then working on my project ‘’The Street of Calabar’’ ‘’ Shattered” and two other movies. These were the projects I was focusing on.

•Lydia

Lydia Forson turned 28, last Wednesday.

Check out the letter she posted on her facebook wall, announcing her birthday to the world...

I

woke up this morning not knowing how I felt about this day. Usually my birthday comes with a lot of anticipation and excitement, but for once in a very long time I either didn’t want the day to come, or I wanted it to come and go quickly.

Something very uncharacteristic of me; and I began to wonder why? For years on my birthday I would be frustrated at the mere idea of not doing a party or getting a present. In fact many of my friends have called me a birthday freak, because the whole month of October is my birthday!! I would send list of things I expected to get out to people (yes I have a list I send out to people every year,just to ensure they knew exactly what I wanted) don’t worry, very few people actually got me any of the things on my list, it had become a little joke between my friends. But that’s how obsessed I am with birthdays.

And so as the day approached this year, I kept getting called about my not so famous ‘wish list’ and where the party would be. But I merely brushed them aside, much to their surprise and I’m sure they began to question if everything was alright with me.

Truth is I was frustrated, not at the idea of growing up or getting old, no far from that, but at the idea of not finishing things I expected to have done by this age, feeling like I was running out of time to achieve these set of goals and wanting more time to do them before this day.

And in my eagerness to complete these things, forgot the true meaning of a birthday! Birthdays are not about how many presents you receive or parties you have, it marks another milestone in your life. A statement that states : I made it, I am here, I’m alive!!!

So often we measure the quality of life by the things we have, but the quality of life goes beyond that; it’s about the life we have lived so far, how fulfilled we are and how if it’s our last day on earth we can go knowing we enjoyed it to the fullest.

I look around and I’m disappointed at what I nearly missed by focusing on the wrong things.

The unconditional love I have from my family who never fail to tell and show me just how important I am.My friends who make me laugh and share in my little mischief and adventures.

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012

Five player s to watch in this week English Premier League fixtures The English Premier League resumes this weekend following the international break. In the past 10 or so days, fans have seen some outstanding World Cup Qualifying matches from around the world, but now we return to the domestic fixtures.

In the Premier League, there are some great games to watch this weekend. Leaders Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur in what should be a pulsating tie, while sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion host Manchester City.

This is a list of five players to watch in the Premier League this weekend.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United vs. Stoke City) • Aaron lennon

• Adel Taarabt

I

•Jose Fonte

would expect Wayne Rooney to be at his best.

N the past three weeks, Wayne Rooney has been absolutely tremendous.

Against CFR Cluj in the Champions League, the Englishman was put on the wing and assisted twice. When United faced Newcastle United a few days later, Rooney played right behind Van Persie and once again set up two goals.

And, in England’s 5-0 win at home to San Marino, the 26-year-old scored a brace. Rooney is in top form and has showed how strong he can be in midfield.

Manchester United will be huge favourites to win against Stoke City and you

Jose Fonte (West Ham United vs.

Southampton)

Southampton currently have the worst defense in the English Premier League, conceding 20 goals in just seven matches. They may not be in the relegation zone anymore but will certainly need to improve over the course of the season.

Jose Fonte has played in every Southampton league match so far this season and has been guilty of poor defending on a few occasions.

Against Fulham in the Saints’ most recent match, Fonte scored two goals for his club, including a 90thminute equalizer.

The Portuguese had a very strong game on both offense and defense and will want to do the same against West Ham United today.

Adel Taarabt (QPR vs. Everton) In his three Premier League appearances this campaign, Adel Taarabt has already equalled his 2011/2012 goal tally.

The Moroccan midfielder had a tough first season in the Premier League last year but played well near the end of the campaign.

After being out of the starting lineup for much of this season, Taarabt has returned to QPR’s midfield with back-to-back goals.

Mark Hughes’ side are bottom of the league but have looked more threatening with Taarabt back in the squad and will be hoping for a good result against Everton.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur vs.

Chelsea) Aaron Lennon’s inconsistency prevents him from being labelled as one of Europe’s top wingers.

The English player can be superb one game and poor the next.

TENNIS

•Wayne Rooney

Rafael Nadal: Tennis Star Will Remain Top Contender Upon Return considering also the

T

•Olivier Giroud

he timetable for Rafael Nadal’s return to competitive tennis remains fluid. He’s still working his way back from lingering knee issues. With that being said, while his extended absence is worrisome, tennis fans should expect him to return to an elite level when he does come back.

Nadal recently said that his main goal right now is being ready for next season’s first major, the Australian Open, in January. He didn’t take himself out of consideration for the Davis Cup final next month, but wasn’t confident about his chances.

"About the Davis Cup final, of course I would love to take part in it, but first I have to see if I will be ready technically and physically.

"We would have to ask whether I am the right choice to compete in a Spanish team that has been long preparing for this important tie

months I have spent without playing. But that’s a decision that it’s not mine."

He has already withdrawn himself from the BNP Paribas Masters and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, according to media reports.

Nadal shouldn’t rush back. He’s already missed several key events, including the 2012 London Olympics, due to the injury.

There’s no reason to risk a setback now just to get back on the court, even though he would love to help Spain win the title.

Getting back to full strength, or as close as humanly possible after the years of relentless pounding his legs have taken, should be the only focus right now. Not any specific

tournament or date.

As long as the 26-year-old superstar keeps the longterm perspective in mind, he should have no trouble establishing himself as one of the top players in the world.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 31

Off The Pitch

ekend’s Lennon has been fairly good so far this season but really proved how good he was in Tottenham’s game against Aston Villa. The winger was clearly man of the match, with great attacking play and a wonderful goal. Aaron Lennon continued his good form in World Cup Qualifying with two assists against San Marino at Wembley.

Olivier Giroud (Norwich City vs.

Arsenal) Olivier Giroud is beginning to justify his £12 million transfer fee. The Frenchman moved from Montpellier to Arsenal over the summer but hasn’t looked like the striker who scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season.

Against West Ham United, Giroud scored his first league goal for his new club and set up Arsenal’s late winning goal.

He then came off the bench in the 86th minute for France against Spain and scored the equalizing goal.

Arsenal fans will hope that Giroud’s reversal in form is permanent.

Endings and beginnings are the hot topics in this edition of Off the Pitch.

Arjen Robben and Landon Donovan made waves early this week with some vague talk about the future. Meanwhile, midfielders Kevin Strootman and Joao Moutinho could be on the verge of new horizons.

Also, we have all of those stories, along with updates on Fernando Llorente, Theo Walcott and Rio Ferdinand .

• Joao Moutinho

• Lewis Holtby

January transfer targets for Tottenham Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a decent start to the season, thanks in no small part to their summer signings.

To varying degrees, Jan Vertonghen, Clint Dempsey, Moussa Dembele, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Hugo Lloris have already made contributions for their new club.

But no side with ambition can ever take their eye completely off other players they believe will help bolster the squad or improve the first team.

Here are four players Spurs could be looking to sign come the January transfer window to help their bid for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Lewis Holtby

There will be a lot more attention on Holtby after he played his part in Schalke’s 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday.

The midfielder, who was born and raised in Germany but is half English, has had an impressive season for the Gelsenkirchen club, whose only defeat so far this season was against Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old, who captains Germany’s Under-21 side, is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning Spurs could push through a mid-season move if Schalke do not offer him a new deal.

Joao Moutinho

Moutinho could well have been a Tottenham player already were it not for Spurs’ late bid for the Portugal international on deadline day falling through.

Villas-Boas’ top target could yet leave Porto in January, but Spurs now face some serious competition for his signature.

Super-rich clubs Paris-Saint Germain and Zenit St Petersburg are now both interested in the midfielder, according to reports and those clubs both operate on a financial level with which Spurs have no chance of competing

GOLF

Tiger Woods at CIMB Classic 2012:

Day 1 Highlights, Analysis and More

O

n Day 1 at the CIMB Classic, Tiger Woods beat the heat, owned the back

nine and currently trails the leader, Troy Matteson, by three strokes.

Not a bad way to open the tournament.

Woods absolutely destroyed the final nine holes with five birdies, leaving him in a solid position at five-under. He would birdie seven holes in total.

Woods is currently tied for seventh with five other players. Here are your first-round highlights.

Surely, Woods will be pleased with his start to the tournament. Yet you can’t help wondering if he’ll also ask himself “What if?” after a few holes on Thursday.

On eight and nine, he missed short birdie putts you know he would love to have back.

On 17, he just missed an eagle attempt. Sitting at even-par on the turn surely wasn’t what Woods wanted either.

But let’s give credit where credit is due— he fought back and played some fantastic golf down the stretch. And he did so in sweltering conditions.

• Arjen Robben

• Kevin_Strootman

Agent hints that Kevin Strootman will move in summer

The agent of Kevin Strootman, Chiel Dekker, has hinted that the Dutch midfielder could transfer to a new club next summer .

Strootman, 22, has been linked with Manchester United and AC Milan. Both will have to wait until the offseason for any • Fernando potential move, according to Dekker.

“My client could leave in January?

Absolutely not. There’s nothing in that,” he said. “We are only in October - the only thing I can say is to call me back in May.”

Arjen Robben considered retiring

Bayern Munich and Netherlands midfielder Arjen Robben told reporters on Tuesday that he had recently considered retirement due to repeated injuries.

Robben, 28, later walked back his comments. Speaking to reporters, he said: “Out of frustration, because it takes so long, I had those thoughts.

But no worries, I will be back soon.

Retirement? Definitely now!”

Juventus ahead in chase for Fernando Llorente?

Juventus will reportedly beat Arsenal to the signing of Spain international forward Fernando Llorente. The Italian club will then sign winger Theo Walcott away from Arsenal.

Juve have reportedly offered Llorente, 27, a provisional contract worth £145,000 per week. Walcott, 23, is in the final year of his contract and has yet to sign an extension with Arsenal.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012 re you chasing after a A man and don’t even know it? When you chase a man, you not only tend to unwittingly push him away, but in the end, you don’t give him the chance to show you how HE really feels about YOU. It is frustrating to sit back and let a man drift away. We want a man to know we’re interested in him. We want to make it easy for him to ask us out again. We want to seem enthusiastic and easygoing.

We know we’re not supposed to be chasing after him, and yet we’re doing it in ways that we’re not even aware of.

We think being “friendly” is the same as showing interest in a man. We are taught to think that if we act “casual” a man won’t notice that we’re actually chasing him.

But, the truth is, we are. And when we do things that seem like we’re “chasing” to a man, it’s a turn off for him. He feels smothered and feels an aggressive “vibe” from you that does nothing to inspire him to want to get closer.

Chasing a man includes:

Are you pushing him away by chasing him?

* Calling him before he calls you. This includes calling him because you heard or read about something interesting, or because you knew there was a great band playing somewhere, or someone told you about some great event that you want to invite him to or anything at all. It also includes calling to ask why he hasn’t called you. *Initiating contact. E-mailing him, texting him, Facebooking him, sending him a cute card, dropping by his house, or in any way attempting to initiate some kind of contact.

• Making suggestions or plans.

Inviting him to come and join you, or in any way acting like the social director of the relationship.

•Asking him how he feels.

This includes, especially, asking him how he feels about “ you” or the “relationship.”

These are things we do almost without even thinking about it. These are things that feel natural to us, and we excuse them by thinking we’re just being “friendly.” And at the heart of this is one fear: Feel-

ing like we’re going to lose him by not letting him know we’re interested in him.

AND, NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. Everything on this list is the same as putting a sign on your chest that says “Needy.” It smacks of desperation. And, it’s just plain not attractive to him.

He may LIKE it. He may be flattered. He may have no one else around and so he’ll date you. He may even come to like you very much. You may even end up in a relationship with him. But, you will never know how he really feels about you.

So, if you can’t do those

things , what do you do?

You can do the one thing that is completely different from what most other women doyou get a man’s full attention and interest. You’ll discover what that one thing is, and how that subtle energy shift can make a tremendous difference in how a man starts to pursue you for a change.

There’s a new way of BEING with a man that makes him want to be around you all the time, that makes him want to caress you, pull you close and tell you he loves you. And the best part is it requires less of the kind of things that scream “chasing” and “neediness” to him and instead feel attractive and feminine.

Your feminine power will make you irresistible Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your man (or any man you desire) throw himself at your feet in total devotion, willing to risk EVERYTHING just to be with you?

It may seem like a fantasy, yet - there are women all over the world who are experiencing this right now.

You probably know a woman just like this. She’s not particularly beautiful. She may not even be the smartest, most successful woman you know. Or the most generous or kind or funny. Certainly, she doesn’t have as much “going for her” as you do!

But somehow she just knows how to “hook” men in a way that seems almost effortless.

She always has great men trailing after her. She seems to know how to inspire life-long devotion in a man - from the first meeting all the way through years and years of marriage.

What secret does a woman like this have that makes her so irresistible to men?

If you’ve ever devoted your heart, time, and energy to a man who wouldn’t commit, only to watch him marry a woman like this, the feeling is terrible.

Why do some women have men fighting to be with them, while it’s such a struggle for others?

These women are Modern Sirens. Just like the myth they are named for, these women know how to inspire a man to sacrifice everything for them, including their “freedom” to be with any other woman.

In classical Greek myths, the Sirens are creatures - half woman, half animal who play and sing on beautiful, flowerfilled islands. The beauty of their voices is mesmerizing to anyone who hears. Men are so enraptured by the Siren’s song that they jump off their boats, swim for the island, let their boats crash on the rocks, and give up everything to be with them.

What we can learn in these stories is that ALL women naturally have this power. All women have a Siren Song. All women have the power to hypnotically attract a man. You are NOT the exception. Being a Siren is your birthright as a woman!

The most powerful asset you need to connect with a man is already inside you. All you need to do is understand the power you have, believe in it, and know how to use it.

The most powerful asset you need to connect with a man is already inside you. All you need to do is understand the power you have, believe in it, and know how to use it.

There is a real way to attract men like a magnet - even the man you’re with right now who seems so disinterested and cold - WITHOUT worrying about all the things we women have been TAUGHT to worry about, and using the strengths and qualities you ALREADY HAVE. Three things that actually PREVENT him from falling in love Most women continuously try all the wrong ways to get love, and end up pushing men away instead.

These roads only lead you to a friend, or a “player” or a man just “passing through” on his way to the real love of his life. * The Logical Road (MIND) You shine during a discussion, and you have a lot in common. You’ll impress a man and make him enjoy your company, but you may feel disappointed to learn that he feels no CHEMISTRY. That’s because when you try to connect with a man through his mind, he doesn’t FEEL a thing! Oh, he may “enjoy being with you,” but he never gets TOUCHED by you in a deep, connected, emotional sense.

Ask the Sexpert

My erections are less frequent I can still get hard, but the erections don’t come as easily (or as frequently) as they used to. I’m only 30 , should I be worried?

Ans: Most men experience a gradual diminishing of erectile quality as they get older; it’s a normal part of life. At 30, though, you shouldn’t necessarily be experiencing these issues, and I wonder if there’s some aspect of your lifestyle that may correlate to the change. Maybe you’re

not exercising enough? Or you’ve put on wieght? Taking certain medications or masturbating too much are also potential causes.

Talk to your doctor to get to the bottom of what’s going on, and if this is just your natural pattern, ask him or her about taking a stimulant like Viagra. Don’t worry, taking Viagra at 30 is totally fine if you have a genuine need for it.

He has a small penis

My husband has a small penis. The

sex is good, and he’s very secure with himself, but I’m afraid to try certain positions. Any suggestions?

Ans: Since he’s more comfortable with the way things are going than you are, why don’t you relax and use a sexy tone of voice to suggest one of the things you’ve dreamed of trying?

Only suggest one new thing at a time during a sex session, or else he may get concerned that you’ve been unhappy with things.

For example, let’s say you’ve been

dreaming of leaning against the bedroom wall with him behind you. You need to say something like, “I’ve got this amazing fantasy where we’re really horny and sneak to the back of a restaurant, lean against a wall, and have rampant sex!” How can he resist if you suggest it like that, considering that he’s pretty confident? It’s simply timing and the way you say it that will work best. As for the physical aspect, the rest will fall into place.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—33

Play helps in cognitive development of cchildren hildren ...Aderinoku

L

indy’s Gems in the Rough is non govern mental organization birth to build leaders using play, a rare platform to stimulate the young minds of children. As well as encourage bonding, interaction and healthy risk. Established by Eme Aderinoku in 2009, the foundation seeks to bridge the gap between less privileged and privileged children using play as a medium to create a memorable experience.

She has a diploma in marketing, BSC in Sociology and MBA in Banking and Finance all acquired from the University of Lagos.

After investing 10 years of her career in the banking sector, she resigned and went into event planning. Since inception, she has continually unleashed her organizing and coordinating proficiency; a trade she does with impeccable finesse.

What is the event all about?

The foundation was established to address the social development needs of children in orphanages making use of fun as a platform to get both children from orphanages and privileged children in the same environment with no bias to status. Recognizing the importance of play in the healthy development of every child, a fact well recognized by the United Nations Commission for Human Rights as the right of every child.

Our vision is to build self motivated, balanced and confident children across Nigeria and Africa as a whole using fun as a tool; as well as bridging the gap between the privileged and the less privileged.

“Gems in the Rough” are children in various homes - orphanages, institutions etc –precious stones of inestimable value surrounded by rare conditions who ordinarily would not have access to fun, which is why we are introducing play as a balance into the lives of these gems. Our programmes are designed on the platform of fun and mentorship, with the aim of giving these children cherished childhood memories the event is billed to hold every year.

Why use play as a platform to make a difference in the lives of children?

All we want to do is make a difference in the lives of children, so we decided to go the play route, because play is im-

portant to every child’s mental and cognitive skills development. Playing is normal; it is what every child does readily.

Every child needs this balance.

World Health Organization says play is a right of every child. Bringing children from “privileged homes” to mix with children from “less privileged background”, play together, appreciate one another, challenge themselves, and embark on adventurous task. This helps develop innate skills that are only discovered when they engage in playful activities. Over time, we realize that there are certain innate skills children have that they don’t discover until they engage in playful activities.

Another tool we also use is

,

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

The power of the mind is powerful that you don’t see obstacles rather you provide solution.

The average Nigeria child has a mentality of limitation

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mentorship, because we believe in the power of words. Usually, we bring people from all works of life to speak and encourage the children to think out of the box. The message is not just to the less privileged children, it is also to tell the privileged children learn to share and reach out, that way, they know they can help make a difference.

Why is your focus more on children?

Our focus on children is borne out of the fact that most of the leadership problem in this country is a foundation issue.

If you take a look at our leaders today, not all of them are from a wealthy or poor background; it is a mix of both. But there is a fundamental divide, which is the orientation each one of them brings to the table. An average America child is very patriotic because he has been groomed to think and defend his country. If we believe that children are the future, we need to reorientate their mind set so we can have better leaders.

When you teach a child that giving is a way of life, the child grows up knowing that I must always think of the next person and have his interest at heart, it becomes natural to him or her.

It becomes offensive to be self centered.

What are the factors limiting the average Nigerian child?

That power to think is what is limiting the Nigerian child. The fact that I have just a pair of shirt and trousers does not stop me from thinking of becoming the president. The power of the mind is powerful that you don’t see obstacles rather you provide solution. The average Nigeria child has a mentality of limitation. Which is why we often hear words like “I don’t qualify”, “I didn’t go to a university”, “I don’t know people”, and “I don’t have connection”. Who has the power to qualify you?

You are the only one that can limit yourself.

When children have self confidence and a sense of worth, they don’t limit themselves because of the circumstance they find themselves. They think out of that environment. But when they have low self esteem, all they see is limitation.

Tell us about this year’s event themed telematch?

As the name suggest, the theme for this year’s event is adopted from certain features of popular German TV broadcast in the 70s, where competiting contestant would dress in elaborate costume. In creating a balance, we are bringing four schools and four orphanages.

The schools participating are: Corona, Victoria Island/Lekki, Imperia Gate School and Estaport Schools. While the orphanages are: Sought after women and children foundation, Compassionate orphanage and Golden crest family centre.

How successful has this event been over the years?

Very successful, from the feedbacks we have received from the orphanages and schools that participated in our past event.

A major thing we have been able to achieve is eradication of complex. The children are now more confident and bolder. Last year, we had a talent competition and Citadel of grace orphanage emerged the winner.

We took 25 children including the winners of the talent competition to the Calabar carnival for six days. It was an emotional and a fun experience for the children. Apart from making

Eme Aderinoku ...Our vision is to build self motivated, balanced and confident children across Nigeria friends with other children, they took part in the fashion parade, walked on the runway, went to Tinapa and the Governor’s office.

What is the criterion for selecting the orphanages and schools that participate?

We are open to schools and orphanages that want to participate. We work with orphanages that people don’t know about so as to bring them to the lime light to enable people who want to help have access to them. We write to schools, if they accept our invitation, they are allowed to participate.

In the past three years what has been the challenges of organizing this event?

Sponsorship has been a major problem, most people and corporate organizations would rather be part of a project that will get them more visibility.

Getting people to support an event that emphasis play is perceived as alien. We are still hoping that people will get to know about the foundation and key into its vision and be life partners. But we have also been able to get support from credible organizations that are supporting us with products. To a large extent, we are still the major sponsor of the event and we

will continue to because it is something we believe in.

What really inspired you into this?

From inception, the event has been inspired by the need to give back to the society and children I particular. As an entrepreneur who specializes in event planning and management, after four years of doing business, I chose this medium to put smiles in the faces of children.

Did you work after school?

Yes, I have about 10 years experience in banking.

So why quit a prospective banking career that was certain?

I wonder if that was certain, you know how we get into paid employment because that is what is available. I have always known that if I had to choose between work and family I would always choose family.

So, after I got married, I decided to go into entrepreneurship, because with the kind of banking that I was involved in, it was obvious I would have to rob either my career or family life.

I wouldn’t have been an excellent banker without sacrific-

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

TODAY’S MENU

By KATHERINE USEH

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biola David Aina popu larly known as flowsick is a young talented and one of the most-sought-after rising star in the Nigerian music industry at the moment with his new single, “Low Key”. He is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk as he speaks on healthy living and what keeps him fit.

What was food to you while growing up?

Well, food is everything. I eat a lot. As a child, my mother taught me how to eat healthy and that is why I don’t have food disorder.

As an adult, what has changed in your eating habit?

I stopped eating some food including yam, plantain, and fried eggs. Now I eat a lot of protein, meat, pasta and local food such as amala.

When it comes to food, what can you say?

Food is my best friend. I can-

Food is my soulmate — Flowsick not do without eating for a day. I eat at least six times in a day, but in moderation and I make sure it has lots of protein in it.

Do you exercise at all?

I hardly exercise. But when I was in higher school, I was involved in weight lifting and sprint. And if I exercise at all,

it will be jogging and running.

What kind of fruits and drinks do you take?

For fruits, I like grapes, apples and pears. For drinks, I like fruit juice including orange and apple juice as long as they don’t have so much sugar content. Basically, I en-

Fruit of the day

Grape Juice Fact: Research has shown that grapes juice can help protect cardiovascular health. It helps control bad cholesterol and contributes to healthy blood pressure. It may help protect memory and brain health and may be protective of long-term health A new study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that natural compounds in Concord grape juice may help protect healthy human breast cells from DNA damage.

YOUR FOOD& YOUR HEALTH

Toothache

Bacteria in the mouth is caused by the breakdown of sugar into acids which is combined with the calcium in the enamel to cause decay or erosion, pains.

Grind garlic and add salt and use cotton wool and apply on the affected tooth, it will take the pain away and give complete cure.

A clove should also be chewed.

Couple’s corner: Igniting the love again District Governor, Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria, Dr. Kamoru Adisa Omotosho and his wife eating during a visit to the Rotary club of Festac Metropolitan

joy taking natural fruit juice.

How would you describe healthy living?

I eat moderately and don’t eat late at night. I do not sleep immediately after food. I eat a lot of vegetables, greens, protein and fruits.

TOMATO & BEEF SPAGHETTI

Recipes Two tablespoons olive oil, half cup minced onion, One clove garlic, minced half cup minced celery, Two tablespoons butter ,One pound lean ground beef, Half teaspoon white sugar, One teaspoon salt, Half teaspoon dried mint six ounces fresh chopped mushrooms, one small can tomato paste Two small bowls beef broth (30 cl), Two teaspoons dried basil One packet Power Pasta Spaghetti (500 gm),One teaspoon olive oil Three tablespoons salt, One tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish one quarter cup grated cheese

TIT BITS

Hand wash campaign, a must for every home

BY EBUN SESSOU

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s parts of its efforts to commemorate this year’s Global Hand Washing Day, Reckitt Benckiser, makers of Dettol soap has embarked on a sensitisation campaign , "Dettol 21 Days of Healthy Hands Habit" to reduce the number of deaths in children.

Speaking at the media conference to unveil the campaign in Lagos, Ashok Bhasin, Managing Director, Central Africa Region, said the 21 days' target is predicated on the research finding on human behaviour and attitudinal change to the effect that it takes a period of 21 days of consistently doing a particular thing to make it a habit.

"Interestingly, the main focus of the hand washing campaign is to educate the children, who are the 'agents of change' to cultivate the habit of hand washing.Dettol is a brand known for protecting millions of families from germs globally."

He added that, with its passion and commitment to health and hygiene, the 21 Days to a 'Healthy Hands' Habit with Dettol will further go a long way in improving the hand hygiene situation of millions of households in Nigeria and significantly help to reduce death arising from preventable diseases.

His words: "This campaign is targeted at ensuring every child is safe from unwanted diseases including diarrhea, malnutrition and malaria.

"In Nigeria 200, 000 children under the age of five die every year due to Diarrhoea. 88 per cent of diarrhea deaths could be attributed to Cross section of pupils washing unsafe water, poor their hands during sensitisation sanitation and hygiene". campaign of healthy hand

Preparations

In a large pan, warm olive oil over low heat; saute onion, garlic and celery until onion is transparent. Put butter while stirring and increase heat to medium. Brown the beef until no longer pink. Mix in sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, mint and mushrooms. Lower the heat and stir for about three minutes.

In a large bowl, combine tomato paste and broth. Pour this liquid and basil to the pan. Simmer over very low heat for about two hours, stirring occasionally.

Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil with three tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Slip Power Pasta Spaghetti into water holding on to ends until strands soften a bit. Cook over high heat for about 10 minutes. When properly cooked, raw taste should be gone but still have a firm texture.

When ready to serve, combine pasta with meat sauce; serve on a warmed platter or bowl topped with parsley and cheese.

Do you know ? :

Thomas Jefferson was credited for bringing the first macaroni machine to America in 1789 C M Y K

SATURDAY, Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—35

Hat-trick of celebration for the Omamadias

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r. Kivie KaghoOmamadia, who retired as the Assistant General Manager at the Legal Department of Union Bank of Nigeria and his lovely wife, Victoria recently hosted family and friends to a lavish reception to celebrate a treble of landmarks in their lives.

And that is, Mr. Kivie’s 60th birthday, his wife, Victoria’s 55th birthday and 34th year of their marriage. It was a day of merriment, nostalgia and a big family reunion for the KaghoOmamadia clan. Photos

by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor and Bunmi Azeez

Roll of honours at Crescent University’s convocation

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rescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun state, held its fourth convocation ceremony and the day was filled with moments of honours as some eminent Nigerians bagged some honourary degrees alongside the school’s graduands who bagged their first degrees. Governor Muhammed Kwankwaso of Kano State was honoured with Doctor of Science Public Administration Honouris Causa while his Katsina state counterpart bagged his, in Political Science and International Relation. Photos by Wumi Akinola

From left: Mrs. Oke Aduloju,Daughter, Mr. Kivie Kagho Omamadia with his wife Victoria cutting the Cake, Miss. Kome Kagho Omamadia, Daughter, Miss. Arubasa Kagho Omamadia, Daughter and Grand Children look on.

From Left, Prince Bola Ajibola; Proprietor, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Governor Muhammed Kwankwaso of Kano State, Awardee, and Alhaji Abdulahi Garuba; Deputy Governor of Kastina

from left: Ojugo Stella, Mrs. Nellie Tiemo, Mrs. Ese Titiloye and Mrs. Fadekemi Olasewere from left: Mr. Pessu Temisanren, Rita Amuka and Yeye Rewane L-R: Alhaja Salimot Badru, former Dep. Gov. of Ogun State and Alhaja A. O. Ajibola, wife of the proprietor

from left: Pastors Johnson &Ese Omomadia and Pastor Folashade, from right: Mr. and Mrs. Ochuko Okugbemi and Dame Nancy Oghenekaro,

from left: Mrs. Nnenna Ojiako and Ekene Ojiako C M Y K

Mr. and Mrs. Austine Tadaferua

Cross section of traditional rulers at the Ceremony

From the left; Alhaji Adamu, Alhaji Yahaya Maikiti and Alhaji Dashiru Suleh

36 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012

Dr John Chukwu Nwosu, Ezekwesiri Eze 1 is the royal father of the Igbo community in Mushin area of Lagos. He has many titles including the Mayor of Ladipo and Ohamadike of Utuh, Dike di Oranma of Igboland. He spoke with EBUN SESSOU on his aspiration in life and how he attained the position he is occupying presently. According to him, life is a challenge and everyone must aspire to impact positively on the lives of others. Enjoy it

I was too ambitious as a child — Dr. Nwosu

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them is to be a good leader. I have been a leader from my childhood and I am still praying to exceed the position that I hold presently.

How has life treated you?

Life has been good to me.

I’ve crossed many rivers and I have gone through many ordeals. But, I make sure that I give my best to the people around me. I also ensure that I am at the right place at the right time. My leadership role in ensuring orderliness in Ladipo market earned me Asiwaju Ndigbo of Mushinland and in 2007 by the Olu of Mushin. I also contested for chairmanship position in Mushin local government but I wasn’t given the opportunity. ...life as a child I was a village boy. I grew

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Can you tell us some of the manual jobs you did?

I did what was called ikeketorie (struggle before you eat). I worked as a bricklayer. My cousin and I used to offload a trailer of cement within a night. In the morning, we are already digging foundation of a building. We did all kinds of work to survive.

What was going through your mind when you were doing menial jobs?

I was too ambitious to get to the peak of my life. Each time I see people driving their cars,

I was optimistic that “one day, I will drive my own car”.

Whenever I was working for people, I was optimistic that one day, people would work for me. I used to advise people on why it is necessary to fend for themselves.

What were the challenges you passed through in your school days?

It wasn’t an easy task. The challenges of my life started in the boarding school. Some boys were coming up with the issue of seniority, so much that I couldn’t manage the situation. So, I quit the boarding house and I moved to Onitsha where I completed my education. Life wasn’t so difficult because I had everything I needed. I was living like a boss because I was a house prefect. And when I put in for apprenticeship, my lifestyle changed. I was living like a boss and so, I find it difficult to cope. I spent three years as an apprentice instead of seven years. So, I left and went to establish my business. Since, then, things have been moving well until I decided to join market politics.

Unfortunately, things were not as easy as expected.

Everybody was struggling for power. I played the politics and at the end, I got the chairmanship position as well as the Vice President position of Ladipo market. And then, I decided to partake in Nigerian politics. So, I went for local government chairmanship but I wasn’t given the chance and I quit.

Why did Igbos pick up

interest in learning spare-parts?

Igbos are known to be industrious. They wouldn’t go borrowing and so, it is compulsory for them to struggle. They love trading and that is their major business.

What brought you to Lagos?

When I was in secondary, my desire was to be in Lagos to trade. I like money so much and I thought it wise to come

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Aspirations in life? ne o f

up and schooled in the village. I came to Lagos in 1986.

Before then, I was a village boy, handling things my own way. As a young boy, I was doing some manual jobs to survive and make money.

Although, my parents were paying my school fees , I needed more money to keep soul and body together. I was living like a big boy. I never relied on anyone.

I struggled on my own to survive and that is the spirit that has been guiding me until this day.

What instigated you to go and rent an apartment?

It was when I got to know the reality of life. Then, I was living like a boss but at a stage, a girl advised me.

There was a day I hosted fifteen girls in a night but two out of them cried for me. And one of them talked to me.

After a while, I regained consciousness and since then, things have been moving smoothly.

I like money so much and I thought it wise to come and start a business in Lagos

and start up business in Lagos. In January 1987, I came to Lagos to start business. I came under the umbrella of J.C.C Okonkwo Investment limited. The company deals on Peugeot spare parts and I was there for three years. In 1991, I started my business. My master gave me two thousand naira and my father raised five thousand naira for me as well.

I started selling motor spare parts in 1991. I was used to lavishing all the monies I get and so, I didn’t have reserve.

I was used to clubbing, womanising and there was no reserve. When I started the job, I lived in a hotel for two and half years before I thought of settling down. I left the hotel in 1994, rented an apartment and started another life but I enjoyed life to its fulness.

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Is there any connection with both of you till date?

We lost contacts.

What happened to your entourages the moment you quit your reckless lifestyle?

Most of them quit. They couldn’t understand what was going on. But some reasonable ones stayed back.

Did you discuss your reckless lifestyle with your wife?

I told her before we got married.

How did you meet a wife?

I met her on the road. I saw her and offered her a lift.

Then, I had made up my mind to marry and I had a mindset of the kind of woman I wanted as wife. I met her at Mile 2 bus-stop and offered her a lift and from there, things started picking up.

SATURDAY VANGUARD , OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 37

C M Y K

38—Saturday Vanguard, October 27, 2012

C M Y K

SA TURD AY V anguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—39 SATURD TURDA Vanguard,

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40—SATURDAY VANGUARD , OCTOBER 27, 2012

Chevrolet crashes prices for Abuja Motor Fair FAO Motors,

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Show Stopper, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

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HE MercedesBenz SLS AMG Coupe was the show Stopper at the 14 th Abuja Motor Show as visitors throng to

Mercedes-Benz stand to catch a glimpse of the most powerful car at the venue.

The 6.3 litre engine Super Sport car roared

during the car parade at the show to the admiration of everyone.

Its wings were spread, leaving the car topless for people to view the

well finished interior.

The SLS AMG is a Super Sports car that enthrails its driver: with its breathtaking performance courtesy of the powerful engine.

With an aluminum space frame for less weight

coupled with maximum rigidity. With a front midengine featuring a transaxle design for optimum weight distribution. And with a high-tech chassis to meet the most discerning of requirements.

Weststar fortifies after-sales backup with new Abuja facility D

ETERMINED to give Nigerians the best of after-sales service, Weststar Associates Limited, authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge has invested heavily in workshop facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Fielding questions from journalists during a tour of the facility on Tuesday, the General Manager Weststar Associates in Abuja, Mr. Armin Schmand said the facility opened for business about six months ago, stressing that it has the capacity to C M Y K

provide after-sales services for users of Mercedes-Benz in Abuja and other state around the FCT. According to him, about .3 million Euros was used in acquiring the ultra-modern workshop facility, while 2.5 million Euros were used to stock the place with genuine spare parts as backup for repairs.

Schamand said spare parts are ordered on a monthly basis to ensure adequate after sales backup. The workshop has four repair bays and an ultra-modern diagnostic machine.

The company is currently participating

in the 14th edition Abuja International Motor Fair at the Eagle Sqaure with six new passenger car models, four truck and bus models.

Weststar Associates is showcasing its array of commercial vehicles and passenger cars across 600 sqm, and trucks especially designed for Nigeria, and the Mercedes-Benz 30seater Bus Concept (World Premier).

He explained that the Atego and Actros have been designed for completely different requirements, taking into account differences in the condition of the roads in the respective

regions of Nigeria.

“Mercedes-Benz Trucks supplies suitable vehicles designed specifically for the varying regional requirements and conditions all over the world."

Mercedes-Benz is represented by 4 trucks, 6 passenger cars and the worldpremier of a new Bus concept with 30 seats.

The new B180 – Compact Sports Tourer, the all new GLK and the recently launched ML350 are among the special highlights are the fuel reduced versions of the C- and EClass for very attractive

Trade Fair Prices.

According to Weststar, visitors are invited to learn about MercedesBenz service: FleetBoard, CharterWay, Genuine Parts, Mercedes-Benz MobiloVan, Truck M a i n t e n a n c e M a n a g e m e n t , Telediagnosis – just to mention a few keywords in connection with trucks and vans and passenger cars. Above all, this means partnership, availability and competence. For buses and coaches from Mercedes-Benz this is traditionally provided by OMNIplus.

distributors of Chevrolet brand in Nigeria is offering generous discount to customers who make their purchase at the ongoing Abuja Motor Fair.

The company is also showering visitors with gifts like caps, T-Shirts, Pens, etc.

According to a statement from the company, the discount is being offered to lovers and admirers of Chevrolet brands in Nigeria to enable them own and drive brand new Chevrolet cars at reduced prices.

CFAO is using the fair to extend the company’s 100 years celebration of Chevrolet brand to Nigerians. To this end the company has dropped the prices of its products.

For instance, AVEO whose showroom price isN2.2m is offered at the fair for N1.85m, plus one year fuel subsidy or comprehensive insurance cover or N80,000 instant cash back, depending on the buyer’s choice.

Mrs. Francesca Fabunmi, Head of CFAO INTERMOTORS, every visitor to the CFAO pavilion gets a free gift; whilst the buyers of any of Chevrolet Captiva, Cruze, Sonic. AVEO and SPARK get more branded gift items.

According to her visitors will also have the opportunity to feel the presence of the all-new Chevrolet SONIC, the latest 2013 model being introduced to the public for the first time in Nigeria.

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic ranks as one of the world’s best affordable cars and it is available as a hatchback Chevrolet four-cylinder engine, 1.4-litre turbocharged and aspirated engine.

The interior features of the SONIC are classy with a cockpit dashboard and competitive safety and comfort facilities.

The exterior of the SONIC is sporty, curvy and attractive with vast body colour choices.

Chevrolet Captiva, the flagship model is also set to captivate visitors at the CFAO pavilion, with good value for money, large space, abundant standard equipment, smart interior packaging and clever fold-flat seat display.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—41

In Rivers, traditional rulers and community heads are allegedly diverting relief materials •N300m not enough for Flood victims—Rivers Deputy Governor

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OR the 830,000 victims of the flood disaster in Rivers state life has never been the same since they relocated to camps set up by the state government for victims of the flood disaster.

Chairman of the state Flood Relief Committee and Deputy governor of the state, Engr Tele Ikuru confirmed that eight of the victims had passed on at separate times at the camps.

Saturday Vanguard also gathered that in Ahoada three women were delivered safely of their babies.

Some victims at the camp blamed the death on poor sanitary condition. The Deputy governor who was silent on the cause of the death said the state government was making frantic effort to shore up sanitary state of the various camps.

Engr Tele Ikuru said the federal government should raise provision for the state for victims of the disaster. According to him, a total of 183 communities have been affected, adding that the money would be grossly inadequate to cushion the plight of victims.

He said so far the National Emergency Management Committee had brought five hundred mattresses and two hundred bags of assorted food items so far to the state.

“From our assessment, and the reports we are getting, there is more to be done. We still need relief materials as the water is yet to dry up, and there are more predictions that the experience of the last few weeks are not yet over as our C M Y K

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BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

I don’t see how people living under water are categorized as C; who are in A and B? The state is under water how then do you categorize us as C?

water levels are expected to rise in to the impacted areas,” he said.

Adding, the traditional ruler of Ekpeye kingdom, Eze Robinson O. Robinson wondered why the federal government grouped the state in category C when a large part of the area had been submerged in water. “I don’t see how people living under water are categorized as C. Who are in A and B? The state is under water how then do you categorize us as C? Describing the categorization as an error on the part of the federal government he said it should redress it with the state this time in category A. Some victims at the camp said they were yet to feel the impact of the federal government. According to them relief support had only been from the state government, churches, companies and individuals.

Mrs. Patience said she heard the federal government ear-

,

marked money to cushion the pains of victims of the disaster in the state, adding that she was told the money would come through various bodies before it gets to the camps.

According to her, over fifty percent of the allocation would likely have found its way into private pockets before relief provisions would get to displaced persons.

She was not alone in this line of thought. Mr. Frank said it was another move to reward party stalwarts and loyalists.

He said the government should have released the funds directly to the various state governments for victims of the disaster.

T

raditional rulers, commu nity leaders divert relief materials Some traditional rulers and community leaders have been accused of diverting relief materials meant for camps in their areas.

Deputy governor of the state and Chairman of the Flood

relief committee, Engr Ikuru who confirmed the accusation said there are already complaints from the various camps.

He warned that the government would not hesitate to deal with any one caught. According to the Deputy governor, reports had it that some of the traditional rulers were giving more attention to their loyalists at the camps.

“It is absurd for chiefs and leaders of some communities to bring their chieftaincy and communal problems to the camps, and engage in willful, illegal favoritism and criminal diversion of relief materials meant for the flood victims.

“Such acts of criminality will not be condoned henceforth, and defaulters will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

When Saturday Vanguard visited some of the camps in Ahoada West and East local government areas, victims corroborated the findings of the state government. They accused some persons in charge of distribution of relief materials of deliberately shortchanging some families.

They said these persons were guided by certain parochial considerations in the distribution. They listed some to include age long chieftaincy disputes among families, land related problems and marital differences They said there were situations were items meant for some camps were deliberately reduced because of some of these factors. They further appealed to the state government to come up with mea-

sures to checkmate the abuses.

At the camps in Okobe community, Ahoada West local government some of the displaced persons said they had to rally round themselves to raise money to buy soup items such as fish and other ingredients for meals. They said they get rice, beans, groundnut oil, pepper, onion salt and other consumables from the state government relief agency.

T

hey said the impassable state of the East West road had made it difficult for some relief materials meant for them to get to their camps. According to them, Mr. Sunday Ijeoma who is in charge of the camps in the community, they go to Ahoada to get relief materials meant for them because vehicles cannot drive through their portion of the East West road to them. He enjoined the government to fix the road.

Adding, Mr. Felix said the relief items were kept at Ahoada East and from there they are distributed to all affected camps in the two Ahoada local government areas. He further urged the government to urgently make the road motorable. He said they had to wait until when they see big vehicles like 911 that can drive through the pool of water on the road before they go to Ahoada for relief materials. He said this was affecting what they get from there.

Continues on page 42

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

In Gombe , SEMA supervises compensation exercise

The total sum of N22m was last week released by Gombe state government to rehabilitate the flood victims. Sequel to speculations that the funds and items purchased may be hijacked by politicians and corrupt officials, the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA says it was going to supervise the exercise as reported by JOHN BULUS.

R

espite may have finally come the way of Gombe State flood victims who have been taking refuge at a temporary camp opened at Lawanti Primary School, Akko Local Government Area of the State since September this year.

The State Government last week fulfilled its pledge of N22 million made to the victims through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA. Already, the money has been used for the purchasing of most items ranging from food items, building items, clothings, household items, mattresses, cements, woods, blankets, mats, buckets and plastics and handed down to Gombe Local Government where which appears to be worst hit with about 13 flood ravaged areas.

While the materials are yet to be distributed, the Director, Admin and Finance, DAF as well as Desk officer handling Emergencies in the State Emergency management Agency, SEMA Hajiya Laraba Ahmed Kawu, said SEMA will be on ground to supervise the exercise to ensure accountability and transparency following speculations making the rounds that some unscrupulous elements within the C M Y K

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BY JOHN BULUS

SEMA will be on ground to supervise the exercise to ensure accountability and transparency following speculations making the rounds that some unscrupulous elements within the circle of power want to corner the items and the money

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circle of power want to corner the items and the money.

She said: “The governor insisted that these materials needed to be bought. So, they were purchased and delivered to Gombe Local Government last week, but they are yet to be distributed. These materials include food items, building items, clothings, household items. We also bought mattresses, cements, woods, blankets, mats, buckets, plastics and all that.

“We will be there when they distribute them. We gave them the list of the persons affected at that material time and they have their representatives. We invited the representative of each ward when we were making the presentation to Gombe Local Government.

So, when they are going to be distributed, they will invite us to supervise”.

Apart from the materials provided at the instance of the State Government, Hajiya Kawu hinted that SEMA will on Saturday (today) make a presentation of various items provided by the National Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to the flood victims in the state.

“But we as, SEMA, have some materials from NEMA we are going to the Internally Displaced Persons at Lawanti

Primary School on Saturday (today)”. It could be recalled that a camp was opened at Lawanti Primary School in Akko Local Government Area where over 70 households who

are mainly victims of flood rated incidences from wuru village are currently taking shelter. The people have been there since September 15 2012 rainfall that wrecked havoc on the community.

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he same rainfall also af fected the people of Angwa Yelwa in Kwadon in Yelmatu Deba local Government Area, a suburb of Gombe metropolis. The disaster destroyed over 40 houses just as it killed many live stocks.

Usman Mohammed, a resident of the area and victim of

the circumstance who spoke to Journalists described the situation as very terrible, narrating how he escaped the flood.

“The flood got to my chest region as I swam to salvage a few things from the house. The good news is that no body died but over 40 houses were destroyed and more than 35 lives stocks including goats, cows and fowls were also killed”.

Also, Jimmy Roster, a resident of the Idi Quarters in Gombe metropolis who had his property submerged by the disaster is however happy that the government has come to their aid.

He said: “If you are affected by this kind of disaster, you feel as if no body is going to help you. But we are so grateful to the Government that they have come to assist us, we the victims. My own case, the walls collapsed and everything in my house was destroyed by the flood.”

Other areas in the state where the flood ravaged included Yelmatu Deba, Balanga, Dukku and Gombe Local Government Areas. In Gombe Local Government, about 13 areas were affected: Federal Low Cost, Kundulum, Nasssarawo, Kakagawa, Herowa Gana, Dawaki, Jekadafari, Tudun Wada and others.

At the last count, Gombe, has recorded 14 deaths according to the official records. But analysts chide the number, arguing that the number of deaths has exceeded 14. Similarly, over 90 houses have been destroyed, more than 500 families displaced, several farmlands submerged while several domestic animals have been killed.

In Rivers, traditional rulers and community heads are allegedly diverting relief materials Continued from page 41 Life at the camps At most of the camps in the two Ahoada local government areas, residents wake up very early to pray. After the morning devotion they do some cleaning until about 9am when those in charge of distribution of relief materials start arriving.

Mr. Ijeoma said he goes to camps in Okobe from 9am because men and women live together. He felt going there early would not be too fine for the women. He said by 9 to 930am he had finished distribution of consumables like rice and beans to them. He said the people organized themselves into various groups that handle the cooking.

He said the relief committee distributed pots, spoons and

plates to the various camps. So they have utensils to cook and eat with. He said they also provided the camps with kerosene for their cooking.

He said he comes to the camp by 4pm again to distribute what they should cook.

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e want generators Some of the camp residents who spoke the Vanguard expressed gratitude for the attention from the government.

But they said the government should provide them with generators, adding that at night the camps were too dark.

They said after their meals in the morning they go on canoes to their various farms to harvest what is left. On Sundays they organize themselves for their congregational and nondenominational worship.

Pastors according to them come from neighboring

churches.

Government should not be in a hurry to close our camps Some residents at the camps said they were not in a hurry to relocate. They pleaded with government not to shut down the camps immediately after the flood dries up. They said they should be given enough time to plan for their relocation.

“We don’t have any where to go to after here”, they pleaded. They said they lived in mud houses which the flood swept off. “We will need time to build our houses.”

Some other women said they had noting to live on when they move out of the camp because their harvest had been swept off by flood. “We could not harvest our cassava, yam

Continues on page 45

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—43

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

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C M Y K

In Anambra, flood victims begin return journey home of the flooded companies.

Chief Paul Okonkwo, whose multi –million naira Tourist Garden Hotel, Asaba and the manufacturing arm of his Pokobros Group of Companies, said he lost over N2 billion to the flood.

Conducting Senator Andy Uba representing Anambra South round his Tourist Garden Hotel, Asaba and the company’s head office at Onitsha, Okonkwo said it would take the company about N400m to clean the hotel at Asaba. At press time, the hotel was still submerged. According to Okonkwo, his Pokobros Group of Companies, which has about 1,500 staff in its employ, stopped production due to the flood, adding that as the flood has begun to recede, the immediate concern of the manufacturers in Onitsha is how to get the companies running again.

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he industrialist also stressed the need for the federal government to complete the dredging of the River Niger, stating that if the much-publicized dredging of the River Niger had taken place, the impact of the flood would have been minimal and dismissed the claim in some quarters that the River Niger has been dredged up to 70 percent, saying that as it is now, the Onitsha River Port cannot be operational because it cannot take barges due to the shallow nature of the river.

He said: “We were asked to invest in manufacturing ventures. We have done that and now that the flood had de-

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HE flood that ravaged no fewer than 40 communities in eight local government areas of Anambra had begun to recede, but it had left behind monumental destruction that is making the affected people to be lamenting about the natural disaster. Many people who spoke to Saturday Vanguard after visiting their houses as the flood left their communities, said they were confused and even afraid to sleep in their houses for the fear that they might collapse if proper fortification was not carried out immediately.

The case of Mr. and Mrs. Emeka Chukwuma from Atani in Ogbaru local government area was so pathetic that the couple appeared to be confused as to what to do in view of the enormous damage done to their once palatial mansion in the area. In fact, at the time the flood began, Mrs. Evan Chukwuma was in India for a routine check up, having earlier undergone a kidney transplant in that country. When she returned and travelled to Atani, their house was completely submerged and they were only able to salvage some of their property and relocated to Awka, the Anambra State capital.

As she was recuperating from her illness, she was also worried about the condition of her house and property back home in Atani. Though they managed to remove some of their property, most of those property were further damaged in the course of transfer, while others got lost in transit.

Mrs. Chukwuma told Saturday Vanguard: “When we learnt that the flood had receded, we travelled to Atani to see the condition of our house. We discovered that we need to do total rehabilitation to make the house conducive for habitation. And because we spent almost all the money we had during my trip to India, coupled with the fact that we sustained heavy losses in the course of transferring our property, the return journey has become very difficult.”

According to her, rehabilitation of their village house would require more that N1 million, adding that they need financial assistance from appropriate authorities to enable them resettle. The situation, she confessed, was aggravating her poor health condition.

Like the family of Chukwuma, most manufacturing industries in the commercial town of Onitsha which had to shut down their factories in the wake of the flood that submerged the Habour Industrial Estate in the city, are sending Save Our Soul, SOS, to the authorities to come to their aid, especially in the cleaning up

The state inter-ministerial committee

on flood disaster, which is coordinating the exercise, said government spent N40 million to evacuate the victims from the affected eight local government areas to the 23 camps located in parts of the state.

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stroyed these investments, government should also bail us out by putting in place measures that would enable the companies to resume production to avoid a situation where jobs are lost due to the closure of the companies.”

He called for the creation of an intervention fund, that would help to reactivate the companies, and pay workers for some months to enable them pick up again.

Another industrialist, Chief Chidube Oranu, who is the managing director of Kristoral Group of Companies commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan during his visit to Anambra State, said all the raw materials acquired by the company, as well as some machines and generating sets, were destroyed by the flood.

While the flooding lasted, canoes were the only means of moving into and out of the company and with the flood receding, the environment had become messier with debris littered in the massive compound. Oranu said: “Everything is at stand still in the company. The over 1000 workers, including the expatriates, are idle because the company

was completely shut down.

Like his colleague, Chief Okonkwo of Pokobros, he said the solution to the lasting problem of flooding is proper dredging of the River Niger.

While the industrialists are lamenting the loss of their investments, a farmer, Mr. Godwin Ochia, whose family was camped at a primary school in Atani was downcast when Saturday Vanguard visited the camp. He had looked forward to returning home when sign of the receding of the flood was noticed. He enthusiastically travelled to know the situation at his Akili community only to discover that his bungalow, which he built two years ago, had collapsed. Narrating his ordeal, Ochia said that all the while, he was concerned about how to acquire seedlings for the next farming season only to be faced with the situation of not having a home to move into. Many people have similar stories to tell and this poses greater challenges to the authorities.

Following the problems that arose from the flooding, Anambra State government and well- to- do people in the state have started making arrange-

ments on how to ensure that the victims were properly rehabilitated.

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overnment records showed that there were over 25000 victims at the 23 camps provided for the victims, excluding the industrialists. Proactive measures had also been adopted by government to ensure that materials donated by the people went round, while the money promised by the federal government, in which Anambra would receive N500 million, is being expected. The state inter-ministerial committee on flood disaster, which is coordinating the exercise, said government spent N40 million to evacuate the victims from the affected eight local government areas to the 23 camps located in parts of the state.

Vice chairman of the committee and commissioner for economic planning and budget, Professor Chinyere Okunna, in a passionate plea to the people of the state, said while people were providing food items and other materials to the victims, they should also bear in mind that money was needed for the proper resettlement of the victims after the flood. According to her, accounts had been opened in two banks where people could pay in their donations, assuring that such monies would be properly receipted and the donors made public.

44—SA TURD AY 44—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

ODD WORLD

World's oldest father W

orld’s oldest father does it again at the a g e of 96...

An Indian man has become the world’s oldest father for the second time at the age of 96.

Ramjit Raghav was awarded the title two years ago when he had his first born son Karamjit aged 94.

Although he swore one was enough, the pensioner and his wife Shakuntala, 54, welcomed another son Ranjit, last month. Speaking at his home in the state of Haryana, 31 miles from Delhi, Ramjit said: “What can I do? This is all God’s wish. “He wanted me to have another son.”

When Shakuntala gave birth to the healthy boy earlier this month at the Government hospital in Haryana, the doctors laughed when Ramjit said he was the father.

--with Richard Okotie, Mofid Islam, Zhozokho Cmu and 40 others Double-Header Talk about a double-header!

Amazing photograph shows peculiar pelican with TWO HEADS in flight...

The image of the odd bird was taken by Ukrainian photographer Vladimir Kucherenko in the Danube Delta, but it wasn’t until the shutterbug returned home that he noticed something off about the picture. The development of two heads in an animal could be the result of random chance, exposure to chemicals or a complication during the gestation period that prevents a pair of embryos from splitting.

– with Jeeni Rohman, Izafa Ahmed, Kofil Ahmed and 43 others

Twin crocodiles

baby

Snap! Twin baby crocodiles hatch from single egg in China...

Surprise Xiao Zeng, from the crocodile garden in China, said it was the first time he had witnessed two of the creatures hatch from the same egg.

– with El Levite Sanctified Reggae, Jerin Rahman, Lily Ale Mero and 37 others

World’s oldest father

Twin baby crocodiles

Peculiar pelican with TWO HEADS in flight

I

t has been very difficult to raise funds for HOPE AND POSSIBILITIES RIDE. However, given the importance of the project in our struggle to mainstream persons with disabilities, MAARDEC has decided to organize a preevent to create adequate awareness for the project which will help us get the funds we need. To this effect, the Hope and Possibilities Ride has been postponed to November 2013.

The pre-event will hold in December 2012.

The objectives of the preevent are among others, to raise funds and create awareness for the main event.

Most importantly, this preevent will clear doubts in the minds of potential sponsors and assure them that the event is purely an advocacy event; aimed at mainstreaming persons with disabilities and create conducive environment for them to contribute their quota to the socio-economic development our country.

The pre-event will have some of the accouterments, all the razzmatazz and the seriousness of the main event with the exception of the fact that there will not be full manual tricycle ride all through the route. The pre-event will consist of driving along the highways between states while riding the manual tricycles within the state capitals to be visited.

This pre-event is not as C M Y K

Hope rising

*President Goodluck Jonathan with Chief Cosmas Okoli on wheelchair at the World Economic forum on Africa held in Addis Ababa capital intensive as the Hope and Possibilities Ride and we are sure that we will be able to get funding for it. We have made arrangements with a dealer in the USA who has agreed to release two special vans for the project with the understanding that payment will be made as soon as the funds are

available.

The pre-event will last for two weeks. It will take off from Lagos and will go through all the states we will visit during the main event.

We will pay courtesy calls on all the State Governors on our route to Abuja and visit traditional rulers and corporate organizations.

Mini-rallies will be held in the state capitals to create awareness for the main event and its objectives.

Most of the equipment we will use for this preevent will also be used for the main event. So for the main event, we will need additional equipment to take care of security, large contingent, camping and the logistics of long and slow movement of the manual tricycle riders.

We will also need information, education

and communication materials to ensure effective dissemination of information and education of the general populace on the objectives of the ride.

This new initiative will also enable us to concretize the buy-in of the Federal Government into the Hope and Possibilities Ride, which will help allay the fears of some prospective sponsors who feel that their sponsorship might be misconstrued by Government as being antagonistic and thus may put them on a collision course with Government; which would spell doom for their businesses and interests.

In the light of the above, we are making arrangements to meet with the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to discuss this project and other issues of national importance as it pertains to Nigerians with disabilities. Effort is also being made to meet with Mr. President for his blessing and support. I personally hinted Mr. President of this project in May this year when we met at Addis-Ababa,

Ethiopia during the World Economic Forum on Africa and he was excited and directed the State House Chief of Protocol to make an appointment for me to see him.

I am confident of the Presidency ’s buy-in given the superlative performance of Nigerian Paralympians at the London 2012 Paralympics and their attendant recognition and reward by the Federal Government.

The need for our country to invest more in the empowerment of persons with disabilities has become more evident in the light of the achievement of athletes with disabilities and that of the nondisabled athletes that represented Nigeria at the just concluded London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

To all intents and purposes, hope is rising for Hope and Possibilities Ride. With the endorsement and support of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force and the expected buy-in of the Federal and state governments, Hope and Possibilities Ride will be a reality.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—45

In Rivers, traditional rulers and community heads are allegedly diverting relief materials Continued from page 42 and groundnut. The flood swept off everything””, they said. They enjoined the government to assist them with funds to set themselves up when the camps are due to be shut down.

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onations flow into camps Churches, companies and individuals have been visiting the various camps in Rivers state to donate relief materials.

A chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Tonye Princewill was among individuals that had donated items to the camps.

Also Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals limited donated relief materials valued at several millions of naira. They include one hundred and fifty bags of 25 kg rice, 300 cartons of indomie, 45 bags of 100kg garri, tomatoes, vegetable oil etc.

Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Manish Mundra said the company was deeply touched by pains of victims of the disaster. He assured that the firm would continue to support effort to mitigate their pains.

Why I washed my hands off FG’s N500m relief to Delta flood victims Continued from page 11 they take on how to disburse the fund shall be well with me.

Let members of the committee decide what to do with the money”.

“These are trying times and this is not the time to quarrel and create tension. We should be our brother ’s keeper.

People are going through trauma and need to be comforted”.

“I have short term plan, middle and long term plans for the flood issue and we are very serious and not playing politics. When politics come we play it but not with flood issue where our people are suffering”.

The assurances over judicious utilization of the fund notwithstanding, the dust arising from rumour mongering remained unsettled. Some are still cynical about how the fund would be shared, devoid of ethnic and political bias.

Some of the displaced persons in various camps in the State although praised the State government for the care so far but would prefer some cash to start all over again.

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ay Uduaghan celebrated his birthday with flood victims They were overjoyed when the Governor celebrated his 58th birthday on Monday this week with them in the camps as

they milled around the governor chanting birthday songs.

Protocol was temporarily suspended as the governor mixed freely with them, a day his security aides had hectic task battling to control the surging crowd as they were very eager to have a feel of him.

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hat we want by displaced persons: Displaced Mr. Tony Biosa from Omiligbome, a riverine suburb in Asaba, presently at the Institute of Continuing Education, (ICE) told our reporter: “left to me I would want the money donated to be shared on one to one basis.

Government people should go to each camp ask us to line up and hand what ever they feel will enable us start life again.

I wont like the money to be given to politicians because they will share it among their own boys. And as a poor man what can one do. They have the money if you talk they will lock you up”.

Also a big time yam seller who simply gave her name as Victoria at another camp in Illah said “the water cannot stay there forever. I think the water is going back gradually.

So what I need is money. I am not bothered on how much was donated but if it can be shared according to the level of what one lost it will be good. I am not a lazy person. I lost everything but if I can get

some money now I will start again”.

Some others who spoke on condition of anonymity echoed the same view while some others differed.

Thomas at SPC said, “ we should thank God that our lives are saved first. Nigerians too talk about money. For me I am happy with the provision the government is giving to us. they cannot be as if you are living in your home. We are many but I am happy bo!, he exclaimed.

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ights group speaks: National Coordinator Forum for Justice &Human Rights Defence, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi said, “I would advise the State government to plan for post flood palliatives for registered flood victims by setting aside 30 percent of its flood relief package of N500 million from the Federal Government for the upkeep of flood victims housed in various designated camps in the State while the remaining 70 percent be sued for post flood palliatives for the flood victims. No doubt the above funds though small, if well managed would go a long way to ameliorate the plights of the flood victims in one way or the other.

“Sincerely speaking, my advice to all flood victims is for them to ensure that they all register in the nearest camp close to them as government

Is FG’s N17.6 billion for flood victims in right hands?

Continued from page 10 Flood Management Committee and called for proper statistics of victims, locations and properties destroyed to guide government in post-flood planning. About 70,000 victims of the flood in 12 local government areas are kept in 18 relief camps in Delta.

President Jonathan himself has been visiting states ravaged by the flood and offering victims assurance of assistance and words of hope.

He had been to Kogi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Taraba, Rivers, Anambra, Benue.

At the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) Asaba camp in Delta State for displaced persons, he raised their spirit saying that they are not alone in their predicament as he has come to sympathise with them He assured flood

victims that they will be provided with high yielding seeds that will grow fast and quick for them to have something to fall back on when the flood recedes.

Some well-meaning people have called on governors who had the responsibility of disbursing the funds to be accountable, transparent and prudent.

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former Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service had advised governors whose states are affected to set up committees of eminent citizens (as some had already done) to oversee the disbursement of the funds provided by the Federal Government for victims. This is the crux of the matter as some may be improperly disbursed, abused, diverted and eventually going into wrong hands.

Many prominent Nigerians

are worried about the need for the funds to reach the victims and alleviate their hardship.

They fear about the so-called the Nigerian factor likely to mitigate against proper utilization and disbursement of the funds. Already, there are indications of inadequate food supply at the camps and lack of social amenities needed and which could have been provided for from the allocated funds. There are speculations that a bulk of the money may end up in private pockets or diverted considering the high level of corruption in the country.

The Federal and state governments have not put effective monitoring mechanism in place to checkmate fraudulent motives and actions by corrupt officials.

Just recently, Rivers State governor had cause to warn officials, traditional rulers against diverting relief

materials and funds meant for flood victims.

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esponding to questions during a World Press Conference in Lagos to mark 10th anniversary of Covenant University, Dr. David Oyedepo expressed disappointment over the lack of accountability and transparency that could trail the disbursement of the funds earmarked by the Federal Government for flood victims.

He slammed the culture of corruption that has become the hallmark of Nigeria’s national life in which people who stole public funds are often celebrated instead of indictment. ‘’The only sector working today is politics. People see political office as chance to make money from the top to bottom,’’ adding that ‘’even money for the flood victims could be diverted.’’

may decide to plan with the number of persons registered in the various designated camps for its post flood palliatives, if any.

“I therefore advise those flood victims not living in any of the designated camps to get registered immediately while non victims who have no business living in any of the designated camps should stay clear from the said camps in their own interest before they incur the wrath of God and man”.

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elta Information Commissioner: On his part, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah said, “the Delta State government has already made a pronouncement through the governor that the government would set up a committee comprising of private eminent citizens of Delta state to be chaired by a retired Supreme Court jurist, Justice Tabai. Other members include Dr. Pat Utomi and other eminent citizens.

The government will work closely with this committee and ensure that the money is applied to the most critical areas where it shall be of maximum benefit to the mass of our people

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ppositon Party reacts too: Delta State Chairman of Labour Party, LP, Comrade Emeka Nkwoala in his contribution said, “there should be a committee of men and women with high integrity separate from the government.

This committee will liaise with the various camps commandants to ascertain most critical needs of the people.

But in all, while sharing the sentiments expressed by the governor one expects that the committee of eminent persons being men of integrity would live up to expectation.

This is because a great philosopher Mark Twain once said about ingratitude that: “if you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. That is the principal difference between a dog and a man”.

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

Lawmaker tasks children on socio-economic M

Hello Jets’,

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arka de Sallah to our muslims brothers and sister! It is so sad that some of our parents are so busy building estates, but they do not care about what happens to our future. Some of us are sexually abused, but who would listen to our tales. Some of us do not even know the meaning of abuse. If our parents can spend some time with us and ask questions...

In this edition, the story of the greedy Tortoise and the sad way he learnt his lesson was writtenby Master Nwaibe Ebukuka Calistus from Leads Nursery and Primary School, Satelite Town, Lagos state, Lawmaker tasks children on socioeconomic the African child playing in a unique way and many more. These and others are on your darling page.

Have a wonderful read and a beautiful Sallah!

ember, Lagos State of Assembly and of Assembly Mrs. Lola Akande, representing Ikeja Constituency II has challenged children especially young women to rededicate themselves to improve the socio-economic and technological advancement of the nation.

Akande who is the Deputy Leader gave this charge during the inauguration of the Girl Guides Society of Ojodu Senior Secondary School and her decoration as matron of the society. She noted that young women are capable of improving the economy condition of the country by making themselves visible and available to the decision making.

Her words: “I am happy to be part of this history. The Girl-Guides is the largest

Organization for girls and women in the world. I want to appreciate them for the award confirmed on me .I hope to contribute my best to the upliftment of the organization”.

•gFor young Women potentials to be properly tapped there must be collective effort from all the Stakeholders including Government, Parents, teachers, society Leaders as well non-governmental association and other concerned groups”.

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eanwhile, Mrs. Okuyeri Iyabode, Assistant State Commissioner Lagos State Girl Guides Association, said the association is a voluntary one founded in England in 1919

by Lord Baden aimed at recognizing young women to inculcate moral value.

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The ungrateful tortoise

By Nwaibe Ebukuka Calistus School-: Leads Nursery and Primary School, Satelite Town, Lagos state 9 years old, pri. 5

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nce upon a time, in the land of the animals, Mr. Tortoise was a hard working person, but in their land, there was no food so Mr. Tortoise went to the land of the dead. He went to the land of the dead to ask for food and he was given a magic drum whenever he beats the drum, all kinds of food will come out of it, and everyone will make

Playing in a unique way!

his /her choice on the type of food he/she wants to eat.

He returned back to his village with the drum and gathered to his house every person in the kingdom, then he beats the drum again and all kinds of food came out and everybody ate his /her favorites and even took home some of the left over to their various homes.

So for over six months, the drum was in his house providing food for the villagers.

There was enjoyment and merriment in the whole of the animal kingdom, after some time the

magic drum stopped producing food. Mr. Tortoise became so angry about this, so he set off again to the spirit land, he gave them the drum so harshly and shouted at them in a very loud voice and said in a loud voice that the spirits are mad. He abused them with all manner of bad words and left. On getting to the village square, one of the spirits called Jango appeared to him and gave him a mighty slap; the Tortoise fell down and died instantly. The villagers became hungry again.

ast weekend was a great day of fun for children who attended the annual children family funday event organized by Lindy’s Gems Foundation is a corporate social responsibility platform of Lindy’s Events, a corporate events and amusement entertainment provider company, rolled out its drum to celebrate children.

According to the organizer of the event, Ene Aderinokun, the event designed as a platform to develop the Nigerian child’s physical and emotional balance especially children in Orphanages through organized play is essential to the development of children’s creativity imagination, dexterity, physical and cognitive strengths.

This year ’s event had Telematch, the first of its kind in Nigeria. It involved competition amongst children

divided into two teams, Trojans and Spartans. The competition allowed children from different backgrounds learn to work together to achieve common goals.The two teams comprised of children from Corona School Ikoyi, Corona School Lekki, Imperial Gate School Lekki, Estaport School Gbagada, Ijamido Home, Golden Crest Orphanage, Sought after Women and Children Foundation and Compassionate Orphanage.

With a rich extensive program that is focused on challenging children to think out of their environment and restrictive mindsets, Lindys Gems in a Rough event, over the years has been able to building self confidence, create social bonds, develop team spirited values, character molding and create a life changing experience for children.

Saturday Vanguard, October 27, 2012 —47

BY CHIDI NKWOKPARA

men. While assuring them that he will do everything within his power to make their duties lighter, Bolanta however warned that he will, in like manner, prescribe commensurate punishment for anybody that engages in unethical practices.

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rmed with Bolanta’s di rectives, his men not only

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hen Mr. Baba Adisa Bolanta was posted to head Imo State Police Command a few weeks ago, some indigenes and residents, especially those who know his pedigree, leaped for joy. Apart from this, Bolanta had served as Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, in the state, a few years back.

He knew what the state looked like before he was transferred. He must have equally read from the national dailies and weeklies what he was to inherit on his return to Imo State.

It did not therefore baffle close watchers of the state security situation that on arrival in Owerri, Bolanta quickly reassessed the crime situation, as well as got briefs from those on ground before his second “missionary journey” to Imo. In an apparent move to match what he was told with what was on ground, Bolanta commenced a programmed tour of the divisional police headquarters and addressed his subordinates, traditional rulers, town union executives and opinion leaders in all the places he visited. Bolanta centered his address on the need to make Imo a crime-free state or possibly reduce it drastically.

So far, the new police boss has introduced radio and television jingles, warning the people to distance themselves from crime and criminals. He has also erected bill boards at strategic places in the state, wherein he enumerated telephone numbers that should be called when people find themselves in danger.

This is the first of its kind since the creation of Imo State.

Baba Bolanta, Cp Imo

Police in Imo swing into action ...read riot act to kidnappers and

armed robbers

community that harbour armed robbers and kidnappers as waging a war on the state and its people but will also visit the full weight of the law on such communities. He equally read the riot act to his officers and

PHOTO SPEAK

Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs Rose Uzoma (r) assisted by Mr. Freeman Tamarabebe Mologe, Ag. Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration while decorating Mr. Dom Ob. Asogwa, PA to the CGI, with his new rank of Deputy Comptroller of Immigration in Abuja.

B

olanta and his men have equally nabbed transborder hoodlums. First to be arrested was one Kingsley Ikechukwu, and following his

Bolanta centered his address on the need to make Imo a crime-free state or possibly reduce it drastically

went to work but have remained visible in varying places. For instance, on October 9, 2012, at about 2.30pm, one Chibuzor Oguzie was seen hovering around a first generation bank located at Mbari Street, Owerri. This bank was bombed some time ago by hoodlums.

The

At an earlier encounter with Crime Guard in his office, CP Bolanta was particularly worried about the spate of kidnapping and armed robbery cases in the state. He promised that he will not only see any

Aba’s Toyota Sienna, while the motorcycle belonged to Chidi, who was driving in the Sienna, adding that “as soon as I was arrested, Nwa Aba and Chidi drove off in the Sienna.”

inexplicable presence of this man attracted the attention of the bank’s security personnel and they quickly alerted the police patrol team. On sighting the police, the suspect, who was riding an unregistered motorcycle at the time, zoomed off towards the city . The police pursued and arrested him along Douglas Road.

On interrogation, the suspect denied being an armed robber but explained that his modus-operandi was to move around with master keys, looking for anybody that would cash money from banks and put in the car.

He, however, affirmed that as soon as he identifies a possible victim, he would alert members of his gang, who would trail him/her from the bank premises to wherever the car would be parked. The suspect named Chidi (surname unknown), a native of Amuri Omanze and another person identified by his nick name, “Nwa Aba”, as his colleagues in crime.

Continuing, he said on the day he was arrested, the master key they came with was in Nwa

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confessional statement, one Chidi (surname unknown) was picked up by the police. The police boss told Crime Guard: “They operate within and outside Nigeria. Their operational bases include Cameroon, Dubai and other African countries.

The money they realized is what they used in buying all the properties police saw with them.”

The properties in Chibuzor Oguzie’s possession at the time of his arrest included: an unregistered Q-Link motorcycle, unregistered Mercedes Benz convertible car model SIK30, Toyota Camry car with registration number AY 412 WER, HI-GI audio power amplifier with its speakers, small size LG refrigerator and small Q-Link standing fan.

Kingsley Ikechukwu had Infinity QX4 Jeep with registration number BK 810 AKD, Mitsubishi L-300 bus with registration number YB 726 FST, Mitsubishi L-300 with registration number XB 143 UNC, two unregistered Q-Link motorcycles and an unregistered Sinoko ladies motorcycle.

On October 18, 2012, the police rescued an Eze-elect, a Catholic priest and another 72year-old man from kidnappers den. Bolanta told the story better.“At about 7.30am on the fateful day, an Eze-elect, Nelson Orisakwe and Sir Godwin Orisakwe, both from Umueke village, Owerre Nkworji, Nkwerre local council area of Imo State, left their village for Owerri to attend a court session. On getting to Eziama Obaire, also in Nkwerre local government area, four armed men jumped out of the bush to the highway.

They shot sporadically into the air. This forced the hapless citizens to stop abruptly. Two of the armed men jumped into the Mercedes Benz V-booth the Eze-elect and his brother were in and drove away.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

M

rs. Georgina Ahamefule, is an indigene of Imo State who tested positive to Human Immuno Deficien cy Virus while working as an auxiliary nurse at a certain Medical Centre in Lagos. At first, due to her naivety, she found the whole world, crashing on her, no thanks to her employer, Dr Molokwu, the Chief Medical Director of the Medical Centre who terminated her employment which began in 1989 and advised her to go back to her village and die since she had but little time. A lot happened to this woman, as she shares her traumatic experiences during a tumultuous journey to victory.

The high point of her account is that her fighting spirit is backed by God and the Social and Economic Rights Action Center (SERAC).

She won a N7-million lawsuit against Dr Molokwu. It was a landmark judgment for Felix Morka, the executive Director of SERAC who described the judge’s decision as representing a major victory for Georgina and all those living with the HIV virus in the country. Dr Morka also disclosed during a press conference that the judgment was the first-ever judicial pronouncement on the unlawfulness of HIV-based discrimination and therefore, significant in holding that conducting HIV test without the individual’s consent is tantamount to unlawful battery...

Read on.

I joined a certain Medical Centre as an auxiliary nurse in 1989. In 1995, while I was pregnant, I had boils on my skin and I went to my employer for treatment. He carried out medical examinations and diagnostic tests without disclosing the nature and outcome of the tests to me. My employer later referred me

I

Doctor told me to prepare to die but 17 years af ter, I’m still alive and healthy

—Mrs Ahamefule, HIV-Positive Nurse

,

for further tests at the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital with a note in a sealed envelope. The doctor at LUTH on his own part carried out various tests without also disclosing the nature of those tests to me. I was subsequently informed that I had tested positive to the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV). I was never provided any form of counseling before or after the tests were carried out as required by medical ethics and the law. In fact, I did not understand what was going on but I remember that I was pregnant at that time. The situation was made worse when my employer advised that I should prepare to die since I had not much time.

He also promptly terminated my employment as an auxiliary nurse at the hospital because of my HIV -positive status. In the termination letter dated October 23, 1995, he explained that the hospital’s management could not compromise the facility or its patients by exposing them to risks of being infected with HIV. But surprisingly, he quickly gave me a letter recommending me for employment in other medical facilities. suffered serious emotional and psychological trauma as a result of the news of my HIV-positive status. This, coupled with the loss of my employment, contributed to a spontaneous miscarriage of my pregnancy. I was further victimized, rejected, humiliated and put at great risk when my employer refused to carry out evacuation

Georgina Ahamefule...the unfairness I suffered did not stop at the hands of Dr. Molokwu and his hospital.

My husband has since then tested negative to the virus and you may be glad to know that I also have a son who is also negative

never came. While at the village, I ran into someone who asked me to go to LUTH so that I would receive help. I also obeyed. It was while I visited LUTH that I ran into my god-mother, Mrs Onyewuenyi who listened to my ordeal and referred me to SERAC. When I visited SERAC, they interviewed me and subsequently, contacted my former employer so as to see if he will do any form of settlement but he ignored SERAC, so, SERAC took the matter to court on my behalf.

The first shocker I got was right in the court.

Unfortunately, the unfairness I suffered did not stop at the hands of my employer and his hospital.

,

of the miscarried pregnancy which he himself prescribed, on the ground of my HIV positive status. But thank God doctors at another hospital eventually carried out the evacuation procedure for me.

After that, I thought he was stating the fact about my having little or no time to live and so in obedience, I relocated to my home town and there, I waited to die but death

O

n July 14, 2000, SERAC filed the lawsuit challenging the termination of my employment as an auxiliary nurse by the Medical Centre and its Chief Medical Director, based on my HIV-positive status.

So, the shocker like I mentioned, happened in 2001.

Right there in the court, the then

presiding judge in the case, barred me from entering the courtroom because of my HIV positive status.

The judge further ruled that satisfactory expert evidence must be presented in court to convince her that the judge and others would not become infected with the HIV virus as a result of my mere physical presence in the courtroom. It was a huge blow on my devastated life. SERAC appealed that decision and the Court of Appeal remitted the matter back to the High Court for trial. Thank God I was allowed to testify in my case without further restrictions in the court, in the compound, and because I made public my status which I am glad I did.

Otherwise, I would have died out of ignorance.

Some illiterate and ignorant neighbours avoided me like plague. It would have been okay by me if they did just that, but they went further to humiliate me and pass silly comments when they see me around and in short, they looked for one excuse or the other to tell me the story of my life.

They fought my niece who came on holiday, saying she

had no mother which was why she can put up with me in my state.

In all this, I am grateful to God for the wonderful husband He gave me. My husband has since then tested negative to the virus and you may be glad to know that I also have a son who is also negative. God has really used Dr Felix Morka and in fact, workers at SERAC who have adopted me as a part of their family, to bless me and give me reason to live. Indeed, they gave me reason to live to see my dream of being victorious come true.

I have been getting assistance from SERAC in terms of feeding, transportation to Lagos each time my case came up because I relocated with my family to Obigbo in Rivers State; they also helped for hospital bills.

On the issue of court case, there was another shocker. As my case progressed, my employer presented false affidavit showing that I had died in my hometown. As you can see, I’m alive and very healthy. So, we discovered that the affidavit was filed in support of a motion seeking to dismiss my lawsuit against my employer and his hospital. The false declaration was one of my employer’s and his lawyers’ strategies to frustrate my determination to get justice in the matter of the wrongful termination of my employment and other violations.

On getting information about their wicked plan, Dr Felix Morka called me and asked if I was okay to travel to Lagos, I said yes and he asked me to take the next flight to Lagos which I did. When I appeared at the court,my employer and his cohorts were shocked.

Well, to cut the long story short, on Thursday September 27, 2012, Honorable Justice Y.O. Idowu the judge at the Lagos State High Court Idowu held that the termination of my employment by the hospital where I worked on the ground of my HIV-positive status is illegal, unlawful and actuated by malice and extreme bad faith. So she gave an order for 5 Million Naira for general damages for the wrongful termination of my employment to be paid to me and 2 Million Naira as compensation for unlawful conduct of HIV testing without my informed consent and also for negligence.

Right now, I feel on top of the world for my victory and in fact that is an understatement because I can’t explain exactly how I feel now. This is a case that seemed impossible and in fact if the matter was left for me or my family to handle, it would have died a natural death because I’m from a poor background.

I appreciate every effort made by Dr Felix Morka and his workers to see me through this victory without collecting a kobo from me.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—49

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

L

•A filling station in Lagos

Fuel scarcity, cost of foods, insecurity, mar Sallah celebration acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Fidel Pepple, recently that “there is no threat of fuel scarcity,” most filling stations are under lock and key and a few ones that opened to customers complained that there was no supply of the products.

The development affected movements of people who

,

ONG queues in some parts of the country amost marred Eid-el-Kabir celebration as most people commuting for the festive period groaned under scarcity of fuel and exorbitant fares while others lamented high cost of rams and other food items in the market.

Saturday Vanguard visited filling stations along Ikorodu road, Oshodi-Apapa road and other parts of Lagos, as well as ram markets in the area, Thursday to examine the situation.

Most filling stations in and around the city were under lock and key with a few of them opening to skeletal services, attending to motorists on long queues stretching over two kilometres away.

Most of them operated with one dispensing pump and few attendants. In some of the filling stations that opened shop to customers Thursday, a litre of petrol was sold above the recommended pump price of N97 per litre between the ranges of N110 to N120. The few ones who sold at the recommended price raked additional N500 on every 10 litre of petrol depending on the negotiation. At the NNPC Mega filling station in Majidun, Ikorodu, queues stretched as long as two kilometers, disrupting traffic in the area. At Total filling station in PostonBarracks area along Oshodi road, only one pump was at work and few attendants were seen dispensing fuel to motorists at the recommended price but not without some tips.

At MRS filling station at Cele-Igbe, in Ikotun area, Lagos, the situation was even worse. Motorists were made to pay as much as additional N500 to N1000 as bribe to fill vehicle tanks, while those who bought in jerry-cans were made to pay much more depending on the negotiation.

A buyer who does not want his name in print told Saturday Vanguard how he angrily left the filling station after he was asked to pay N1,500 before his 25 litre jerrycan could be filled. “I walked in there to buy fuel in my 25litre jerry-can because there was no queue. In fact nobody was there, but I noticed they were selling fuel. The attendant said I have to pay the sum of N1,500 before my can could be filled and I asked what then was the cost of the real fuel of 25 litres if I had to pay that much as bribe? He later told me that he was sorry that there was no fuel.”

Against the backdrop of the statement signed by the

He added that the high cost of ram in the market was due largely to insecurity in most parts of the north which according to him had left many herdsmen losing their rams, sheep and cows to several attacks as they had to flee for safety

,

desired to transit from one point to the other for the celebration of Eid-il-Kabir.

At the popular Ojota Motor Park, Lagos, fares to most parts of the South West states and

villages had gone up astronomically. A journey to Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan which usually cost about N700 and N800 respectively now cost about N2000 and N2500 respectively.

Speaking to Saturday Vanguard, some of the commuters expressed worry that they were forced to pay such exorbitant fares because of their resolve to go home for the Sallah celebration. One of them who lamented the situation to the reporter said: “It has never been this worse. We know that usually during festive period, transporters increase the fares but this is outrageous. The fuel shortage has also adversely affected fares.”

A

t the ram market in Owode-elede, in Ikorodu road, ram sellers bemoan the low turnout of buyers less than twenty hours to the Muslim feast of ram sacrifice. Abubakar who barely speaks English told the reporter that the minimum price for a matured ram for Ileya ranged between 40,000 to 100,000 per ram depending on the size. He added that the high cost of ram in the market was due largely to insecurity in most parts of the north which according to him had left many

•Mile 12 market in Lagos herdsmen losing their rams, sheep and cows to several attacks as they had to flee for safety. He added that the bulk of ram supply comes from Borno and Niger states adding that Maiduguri had since become a no-go-area.

A Muslim, Alhaji Abdulazeez Amao, who could not buy a ram at the market noted that it was not a do-or-die affair, indicating that the sacrifice solely depends on affordability.

At the Mile 12 market, Lagos, shoppers were seen making last minute rush for sallah shopping. Some of them who spoke to the reporter grumbled over the high cost of tomatoes and vegetables including onions. Tolulope,

a housewife, said: “I thought it would be better on Thursday when people might have travelled home for Sallah. It was not any better; they sold a small basket of tomatoes at N4,500 but now they are selling it at N5,200 at the same market. I don’t know what is going on in this country,” she lamented.

Beside the fact that the current situation might be a prelude to what the end of the year has to offer in terms of prices of food and security, the cheer, fervour and enthusiasms of the Ileya festive period may not have fully come to life. But even when the meat is limited, the sharing remains unlimited.

50—SA TURD AY 50—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard anguard,,

OCTOBER 27, 2012

2015

Igbos have a right to the Presidency —Okpozo S

BY Simon Ebegbulem, Benin city We recently celebrated our 52 years of Independence, do you think we are making progress as a nation?

I do not think that Nigeria is moving forward and you know that there is certain information circulating that Nigeria may not survive itself beyond 2015 as one nation. That prediction should be taken very seriously by a well minded person.

Don’t think it is just a guess work. Nigeria started derailing as a nation from 1966 when there was the first military coup that ousted the civilian government under Sir Abubakar Tafawa Belewa.

Those who toppled that government were the military and they had no knowledge of political administration. All they did was to plant military governors in each state.

The only state that had no military administration was the Eastern region, the administrator put there was Ukpabi Asika who was their stooge. So the administration planned by Chief Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr Azikiwe, because we had three regions then, was destroyed. The military was even jealous of themselves and they started toppling themselves and planted a wrong system of government.

Murtala Muhammed came with good intension but they did not allow him to stay. Idiagbon and Buhari came to sanitize the system but at the end of the day, Babangida came and overthrew them. So the political system in Nigeria from 1966 till date has never planted a good administration for this country. Anybody that came into power was after his

selfish interest. When IBB came, he tried to maintain two political systems in the country. We had the SDP and NRC. That was a good intension because all these mushroom political parties were avoided. We thought that system will remain but unfortunately, they did not allow that. And that has made the politics of this country very unstable. For instance, if you look deeply into the political parties in this country, you will find out that many of the mushroom political parties are PDP appendages. The other ones cannot sustain themselves because the wealth of the nation is in the hands of the PDP. So when there is an election, all they do is to finance those political parties just to cause confusion and they will be collecting money indirectly through these political parties.

Secondly, the INEC chairmen they have been putting are stooges of the government in power. When Iwu came, he became a military man, the only INEC chairman that did well is Prof.Nwosu under IBB. He planned INEC well to check all abuses and he sustained his position because he is a reliable man. Even this Prof.Jega, I have not seen sincerity in his operations. So I do not foresee a situation whereby this country is moving to be one. Even under the government of Jonathan, those who are not leaders in their communities are the ones advising him, to the extent that the unstable nature of the political situation of this country today, there is no plan on how to move Nigeria forward.

The Northerners want to

 Senator Francis Okpozo...I do not think that Nigeria is moving forward

take over power, Boko Haram is a political and religious problem. If Jonathan were to be a military man, Boko Haram would not have been in existence. Some persons who do not want any other persons to rule them in the North are the ones supporting Boko Haram. But the Northerners are playing a dangerous game.

What I am saying is that by 2015, this country will disintegrate. I support that comment the Americans made because nobody will come from the North and say he wants to be a President of this country because the South will resist it. We are not idiots.

The Igbos have been agitating for Presidency The Igbos as a matter of fact have the right to the presidency. The reason is that since Aguiyi Ironsi who tested power after the first Republic, Azikiwe was only a ceremonial

Northerners when they call themselves Middle Beltans, are they not qualified to occupy that office of the President? So there is no need deceiving people and talking about one Nigeria, there is no one Nigeria. If the Igbos put their foot on ground, they will receive popular support from other areas for the Presidency. The Northerners will definitely say no, they even want to push out Jonathan who is yet to conclude his tenure . Do you think we people in the South South will fold our hands and support their own candidate? So Nigeria cannot be truly considered to be one country, it is not one country, it is so many countries in one country.

And let me tell you, Nigeria cannot remain one if anything happens to President Jonathan. That rope that is tying the country together will be broken and that will lead to

,

enator Francis Okpozo is a second Republic senator and South South leader. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, he declares that Nigeria has nothing to celebrate just as he warns that the nation may be heading towards disintegration if urgent steps are not taken to address the injustice being done to the minorities and the people of the South South. Excerpts:

The nation is a total failure, it is not a nation. Look at prices of commodities, look at the killings being perpetrated by Boko Haram, look at kidnapping, armed robbery, assassinations, terrorism, will such things happen in a normal country

,

President, practically the power was in the hands of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, so no Igbo man has been given that opportunity to rule this country. Are they not part of Nigeria? Will you continue to oppress them and you talk about one Nigeria?

Besides that, where do you place the people of the Middle Belt, are you calling them

the end of Nigeria.

What about the civilians, have they done well for the people?

Civilians have not been given chance to manage the politics of the nation. Look at the number of years the military has ruled and the number of years the civilians have ruled and you will see the difference. I am not saying that

for the short period of the civilian administration, they were angels, no but if they were to be civilian coups as the military did to the civilians when they were in power, Nigeria would have been shattered into various states. But even though they are weak, they have not been given enough opportunity to practice democracy.

Military intervention weakened the impact of democracy and that is why I cannot say that civilians have done well since the inception of this democracy in 1999. The civilians are equally rogues. The money meant to develop the nation is being stolen every day by individuals. And when they have the opportunity to fill positions, it is either they put their brothers or sisters, or they will put their girl friends. So, no common man in this country has a means of survival or do you think a hungry man will keep quiet forever? No. Civilians have not learnt their lessons.

Nigeria needs to be cleaned up and how do we do that? Don’t impose your influence on me, I will not impose my influence on you. We are praying that the solution to our problem should come fast and that is why you see people agitating for a national conference so that we will know where we belong.

You talked about Prof. Jega, are you saying that you are not satisfied with the conduct of the Edo election?

The election in Edo was successful because the people of Edo state said this is our stand.

The entire Edo people determined their destiny, so he has no alternative than to do the right thing. He did well because the people of the state said we will die if you do any thing wrong. So Jega has not impressed me. Did you not see what happened in Kogi, is that an election? Was it not under Jega? Is Delta election a good one? Jega himself is a problem, I cannot praise him for any thing. Look at the electoral cases in the court, did INEC provide the judiciary with the necessary information?

Are you saying we have nothing to celebrate at our 52nd anniversary?

The nation is a total failure, it is not a nation. Look at prices of commodities, look at the killings being perpetrated by Boko Haram, look at kidnapping, armed robbery, assassinations, terrorism, will such things happen in a normal country.

We have the Army, we have the Police, are they really doing their work. The bottom line is that we have nothing to celebrate.

Then what is the solution?

Let there be a National Conference where every body will decide their own fate. No matter how far you patch this country, you are wasting your

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard anguard,, OCTOBER 27, 2012—51

Nigeria is a failed state—Edebiri What is your view of the nation at 52?

N igeria is a failed state, a country with so many challenges. Our challenges are enormous. They call for sober reflection. The federal government at the moment is still searching for solutions to our problems.

We have adopted a foreign culture that is alien to our system. We have not been lucky to have many honest leaders in the country. Most of the past leaders were self seeking. This is why we have leaders who are richer than the country. We have not gotten it right in terms of re- integration.

The economy is in shambles. A situation where one contractor will undertake a road project that is less than 200 kilometres for six and a half years and the job has not gone twenty percent calls for concern. The East West road project has been on since 2006. This is 2012, and we are yet to get 20% on the job. This type of road with the right capacity should not exceed two years.

At 52, do you think we should revisit our governance structure?

I sincerely call for true federalism. The system we are running is not working, we need to devolve powers to the federating states; it will create room for thorough accountability. A nation as big as Nigeria cannot run as a unitary system.

At 52, we are talking of another constitution amendment, what are your views on some burning issues like State Police, Immunity clause, autonomy of local governments?

I think the country is not ripe enough for state police.

This will likely destroy the country because it will be

used as a tool of oppression, to fight opposition. State Police is likely to fight against the unity of the country.

On Immunity clause, I think this should be reviewed. Governors should not be arrested over allegations but they should be sued and when criminal allegations are established against them, then, they should be thrown out of office. The governor should answer for criminal allegations while in office. We have a history where after office they jet out of the country to run away from the law.

Some have said removal of immunity will create distraction. Then to avoid such distractions, the governors should do the right thing.

Local governments should enjoy autonomy; their allocations should go to them directly. But there should be a

* Edebiri

CHIEF Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri is a member of the Board of Trustees of the All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard in Port Harcourt, he laments the failure of the country at 52.

He calls on the federal government to take decisive steps to tackle the challenges of poverty, power supply, bad roads, corruption and other related challenges to get the nation back on track.

,

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

We have adopted a foreign culture that is alien to our system. We have not been lucky to have many honest leaders in the country. Most of the past leaders were self seeking. This is why we have leaders who are richer than the country

,

kind of understanding between the state and local governments on how to develop the state. For instance, local governments can provide water for small communities while state governments do such for big and urban communities.

Any update from the Police yet on the Chairman of your party in Rivers state that was brutally murdered

in July this year?

Police have not given us any information on their investigation. We think the process is slow. We call on the state government and the Police to unmask the killers of Julius. We urged on the state government to ensure the killers of Julius are brought to book.

L

et’s hear your word for our political lead

ers on Nigeria at 52 igerians should re vive Nigeria. It is only Nigerians who can revive the country. At the moment, we are running a failed state. There is no power; the roads are bad, many local industries are grounded. Government should rise up to its challenges. We need transportation. Imagine, Arik Air got grounded and there was pandemonium in the country. Government should invest in the aviation sector.

Recently, I was trapped in traffic at Ugbowo for six hours because of the state of our roads. Warri to Port Harcourt should be two hours but because of the poor state of the roads, people make it in five hours. See the many hours wasted on our roads due to their bad state. The federal government should take decisive steps to tackle the challenges before us at 52.

N

Our security system is in a mess. Christians at the moment are walking out of the northern part of the country.

This should not be because we are brothers. We should build a strong, virile and united country.

You were one of the top three candidates at the last governorship election in Edo state. Are you at the tribunal or is there any understanding between you and the government of Adams Oshiomhole?

Let me quickly say that there is no understanding between me and Adams. I only congratulated him after the election and since then, we have not met or spoken.

We are not in the tribunal because we don’t want to engage in legal battle that will drag the state backward.

Our focus is on how to build the state.

52—SA TURD A Y Vanguard 52—SATURD TURDA anguard,,

OCTOBER 27, 2012

Lagos state traffic law will reposition transport system — OLADAPO iyanbola A. Oladapo, Managing Director/CEO, Bowill Errands Limited, is a seasoned and professional practitioner in the courier industry with many years of experience. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, he explains what the traffic law in Lagos tends to do in the courier industry and others. He also reminds courier practitioners on the inherent opportunities in the industry that are yet to be tapped. Excerpts: A new traffic rule is passed to law in Lagos, can you x-ray the good and bad of this law as it affects courier industry?

The Lagos State traffic law provisions as it were and the intentions are commendable. Most states of the federation seem to have same thinking and position about the dangers and

risk associated with Okada riding in this country, which has led to outright ban in some of the states.

Most of these motorcycles were not even designed for commercial transportation by the manufacturers. The law recognizes the effect of route restriction on courier business and has therefore granted us some exception with a proviso to use a motorcycle of higher engine capacity, which in this instance is 200cc from 125cc being presently used by courier companies. However, the implication of this is injection of fresh fund, which may not be readily available to procure new motorcycles of 200cc engine capacity, training of our dispatch riders and its attendant costs, which may also not have been budgeted for. The law in a way will assist in sanitizing the industry as only serious minded people

will be in dispatch business. Most companies who were not licensed as courier company but are engaged in courier business will be out of it because part of modalities of this law is that Lagos state government will

,

S

Most states of the federation seem to have same thinking and position about the dangers and risk associated with Okada riding in this country

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create specialized number plates for courier companies, which will help remove quacks from the industry.

On the other hand, with the restriction in the route, it will create easy

Oladapo: passage for our dispatch riders to move as against what is obtainable where you have okada riders swarming on the roads, greater percentage of them without formal training and had no consideration for other road users.

The greatest challenge now is the deliberate refusal of law enforcement agencies, especially the policemen to allow courier companies to operate.

The courier boxes are attached to our motorcycles with names conspicuously written, motorcycles are branded, passengers are not carried, our riders are well kitted, protective materials are in place, yet they have been harassing us all in a bid by the overzealous ones amongst them to exploit us. They have turned it to money

making venture and they have greatly impacted our business negatively.

Motorcycles with sensitive documents have been impounded. There is therefore an urgent need to educate the police and other agencies, like LASTMA to stop the harassment of courier companies. The Lagos State Government through the workaholic Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa has been sympathetic to our course, because the 200cc motorcycles are not available on shelve and needed some time to get them. We do not have any doubt, that Lagos State Ministry of Transport which was recently voted the BEST FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT AGENCY in the courier industry by courier

Grasscutter Farming: A growing money spinner R AISING grasscutter is becoming as lu-

crative as farming in poultry, fish, and pig in

the country. It has experienced sporadic growth in recent times. But one

Onebunne: man who has been in the Vanguard of grasscutter is the Managing Director, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne, described the venture as a growing money spinner for farmers. He said it is not difficult for one to rear them. According to him, what one should do is to find elephant grass to feed them in the morning and evening.

He stated that

grasscutter farming helps generate a healthy profit as he hinges his

success ontechnical strategies, sound veterinary and animal husbandry research and the use of affordable production methods that are suitable for small-scale farmers.

He said further that the experience he gained in a n i m a l farming for years is now available for entrepreneurs through nationwide seminars and workshop. Today, Onebunne helps people to raise grasscutter farms.

Hence, many households and restaurants serve meals with grasscutter. Onebunne described the development as an advantage for his colleagues as Nigerians are looking for the tasty bush meat.

"With about N35,000 to

N45,000 one can kick-off with one family of grasscutter called a colony.

This comprises one male and four females. They are reared in a cage which costs N5,000, therefore with N50,000 one is already in business”, he said.

He advised new entrants to buy them when they are four months old the breeding stock age. “If you buy at this stage and rear them for four months, they will start having babies at eight mouths and you can start marking profit.”

“A grasscutter is odourless unlike a fowl or a rabbit. As a result, the cage can be placed anywhere in the compound or even in the kitchen. The merit a grasscutter has over others is that it is susceptible to few disease or health problems and can easily be fed with a variety of grass.

They feed mainly on succulent stems and forages of some grasses.

He insisted that interested farmers must undergo practical training before venturing into the business to enable them reap full benefits.

He said among the basic input for the breeding are cages and their

practitioners will wade in for a smooth transition.

When the law came out initially, there was no exception; courier industries were restricted like others. When the courier made their presentation to government, they listened and gave us the right direction to do our courier business. So, what we need now is to get fund to procure the recommended motorcycles, hoping that banks will be there to support us.

At 52, can you access the performance of the postal sector?

Nigeria has come a long way economically, socially and politically in all ramifications grappling with political instability which translates to frequent changes of policies, economic policy inconsistencies, alignment and realignment of ministries, agencies with different minister supervising the ministries, jettisoning predecessor's direction and coming up with different ideas, that sometimes are not forward looking etc. This is what Nigerian postal sector as a unit of the economy in the last 52 years has witnessed, grappled with and ‘developed’ into. It is however, expected that the sector with the inherent potential as economy catalyst, lined with abundant employment generating opportunities and bring a full load of goodwill to the country and bolster economic confidence.

housing units, starter stock, feeds, and feeding bowls and cleaning materials. The housing unit protects them from adverse weather conditions, such as cold, escape of animals during accidental openings of individual cages and protection from theft.

There is no need at the beginning to rent a room space or hire a sales team. What is more, overhead costs can be significantly reduced.

Onebunne works with interested farmers and provide them with information on how they can get cages and initial breeders from his farm.

The demand for grasscutter meat is high with its accompanying price hikes, making the prospect of grasscutter rearing very bright either as a full-time or part-time job. At the moment, Jovana farms organizes nationwide sensitization training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming. However, for further information on the grasscutter business, one can visit www.jovanafarm.com for more details. Choose also the nearest venue from the advert box in this page.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012 — 53

Good PRESIDENT luck Jonathan and UK court convicts Nigerian who former Vice President of Bank, Dr Oby Ezekuses witchcraft to traffic teenage World wesili, Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, Chairgirls for prostitution blood from her hand. The man Empowerment Support

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Nigerian human trafficker who terrified his victims into silence through “juju” witchcraft rituals and sexual violence was convicted yesterday of trafficking girls to work in the sex trade across Europe.

Former security guard Osezua Osolase faces jail when he is sentenced on Monday for tricking impoverished young Nigerian girls into travelling to Britain before farming them out as sex workers for up to £70,000 a time to continental gangs.

Police identified flight records and forged passport records to show that he recruited 28 girls and escorted many of them abroad over a 15-month period from 2010. But Osolase boasted to his victims that he had been running the scam for more than a decade.

Osolase deliberately targeted some of the most vulnerable girls in the world - orphaned, ill-ed-

ucated and homeless and brought them to Britain where he kept them captive.

The 42-year-old ensured their obedience by binding the young girls to him with “juju” rituals a powerful force in parts of Nigeria - that left girls fearing that they would die if they ran away or spoke out against him.

But in a major breakthrough for police, officers traced three of their victims - aged 14, 16, and 17 at the time - who were prepared to give evidence after they were stopped by authorities while travelling to the European cities on false travel documents.

One of the girls told how she was taken to a house of witchcraft in Lagos. The teenager was given a blood-like mixture, told to bathe in it and wrap sodden cloth around her. A priest cut hair from her armpits, some of her finger and toenails and took

woman was told that the body parts taken in the ritual would be used to find and kill her if ever she tried to run away.

The majority of Osolase’s victims were trafficked to Italy, Spain and France where there is a high demand for West African women to work in the sex trade, police said.

However, detectives believe that he funnelled his wealth back to Nigeria and had no trappings of wealth at his home in Northfleet, Kent.

Detective Inspector Eddie Fox said: “Osolase led these girls to believe a better life awaited them in the UK, he preyed on vulnerable girls who had no one to care for them and would not be missed.

“Juju is a well established belief but Osolase corrupted it in a bid to gain control and bend the wills of his victims. He exploited the girls and took advantage of the fact they had nobody.’’

Initiative (ESI), Hon Dakuku Adol Peterside, and wives of State Governors including well meaning Nigerians have joined the Founder of ESI, Dame Judith Amaechi to champion the cause for proper legislation and implementation of investment in early childhood education in the country.

Declaring open the 3rd National Conference on Kindergarten Education in Port Harcourt, President Goodluck Jonathan said sound education, application of knowledge and policy implementation of early childhood education were key in promoting speedy development in the country.

President Jonathan represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inumo Abdul Kadir said, “Education is not a privilege, but an inalienable right of every child, we must make appropriate investments in early childhood education to achieve our lofty goals”, Jonathan said.

In her lead paper presen-

National Kindergarten Conference: Jonathan, Amaechi, Ezekwesili, others declare support for early childhood education tation, former World Bank Vice-President, Oby Ezekwesili said, the importance of education in any economy is the vehicle through which societal development can be achieved.

Also speaking, Chairman Board of Trustees, Empowerment Support Initiative

(ESI) and Member Representing Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Adol Peterside said the event would provide the forum to examine the role of early childhood education in the development cycle of a child.

President Jonathan to commission Governor’s office, Uyo today

P

RESIDENT Good luck E. Jonathan will today undertake a oneday official visit to Akwa Ibom State to commission the new Governor’s office and perform the ground-breaking ceremony of an International Stadium in the state.

Governor Godswill O. Akpabio disclosed this while answering questions from Government House correspondents Thursday at Government House, Uyo after his return from official trip to an International Telecommu-

nications Union meeting in Dubai.

Governor Akpabio remarked “The new Governor’s office is to be commissioned by President Jonathan on Saturday as part of the uncommon transformation agenda in the state. The office was an old structure, even before my administration’’.

He said ‘’So, there was need for a massive renovation and expansion of the structure of the state, which is a call point for visitors and investors.

54 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 27, 2012

AFN needs Sylva Eleanya: A Silverware N2b to too early prepare for Rio 2016

BY EMEKA OBASI

D

EATH no doubt must be everyone’s final activity, a price we must all pay.Under very normal circumstances, mortals shy away from our end.Yes, there are a few suicide cases here and there, through bombs or hara -kiri[Japanese for belly cutting]. By the way, I do not think there are still any kamikaze pilots. Even euthanasia (mercy killing) remains a taboo in sane minds.

Death indeed is a thief.

Sylva Eleanya won prizes in the course of his job as Sports photo journalist. The laurels came in torrents-encomiums, plaques, shields, trophies name them.And we were like Oliver Twist expecting more.Now we did not plan for this.Death.Oh death. Death is a coward.You know, it caught our man napping.Trust Sylva,his lens would have captured the act, that was why death came knocking at dawn.Like quicksilver,the deed was done.Not in our dream.This is real.

There is this generation of photo journalists that I code named ‘Digital’.

In this group you have Sam Olusegun,Wilson Bodiso-Owei, Pius Esiri, Femi GbadegesinK u t i , G o r d o n O m o i g u i , Ay o d e l e Ojo.Sylva was one of them.

At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games,eight of us shared the same apartment.Our home was the Media Village, inside the Cumberland campus of the Sydney University in Lidcombe.My room mate was Emeka Enechi (nowlate), Kunle Solaja paired Gboyega Okegbenro, Felix Awogu and Nnamdi Anazia (of blessed memory) took same room while Sylva stayed with Sanni Zaria.

Sylva loved the Dream Team so much that he travelled all the way to Melbourne, about oneand half hours flight away as they played Honduras.With mega

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•Late Sylva Eleanya stars like Maurice Green,Michael Johnson,Marion Jones (before we fished out the beast in her) and Gail Devers, I placed athletics ahead of soccer.

Going to Melbourne was good though. I had an uncle who left Lagos in 1978, and had not seen Nigeria ever since.Somehow, he was incommunicado a few years to 2000. My trip to Australia therefore was also to locate him.Thank God I did.We agreed to meet at the end of the Games. Sylva’s trip caused me to send a message. My uncle was to meet the photo journalist at the airport.Something changed the plan.They could not meet.When they spoke on phone, my friend gave it to my uncle, albeit,without my consent ooo.

In his typical Owerri d i a l e c t , S y l v a hollered,”enyi, ashi ijena ayo uyo!”(my friend, they say you have refused to visit home).When he told me this, I shivered.It was what I had mentioned to Sylva,but I did not send him to harass the ex-Biafran soldier.Well, I eventually met my uncle in Melbourne.We laughed over it, and got talking.The man was so bitter with the Nigerian system that he asked me if General Babangida was still the President.

For an 18-year-old who joined the army from college, got his intenstines

gushing from his stomach in battle and could not see his mother ’s corpse, he had every reason to be angry.

Twelve years later,the London Olympics came.Vanguard Sports Editor Tony Ubani Nwokoma was there.While bewailing Sylva’s inability to secure travelling documents,I sent him a mail about Sylva.I knew he could make it, and he did.I told Ubani the Melbourne story.Two weeks ago,I was on line to Dean of Sports Editors Onochie Anibeze, Onyegwu. I also talked about Sylva.We laughed over Dada Adekola’s cartoon, ‘Toni and Sliva’.You cannot miss the ‘mischief ’.The randy cartoon character Toni is different from Tony Ubani.Sliva could be one Onitsha market character,not Sylva Eleanya.Infact,my mind was still there when the sad news hit me.

Sylva loved his camera,he enjoyed his job.Were it possible,he might ask God for one last opportunity-to play a fast one on all of usSylva would wake up, grab his tools,attend his funeral.Just to capture crying faces, flooded eyes, failed voices and weeping friends. A parting gift, maybe, a painful exit.All Fairy tales.

Emeka Obasi is Media Adviser to former Abia state Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.

thletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, technical director, Omatsheye Nesiama has said that the federation will need as much as eight million pounds (about N2.02b) to prepare Nigeria’s athletes for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Nesiama, a Navy Captain was speaking during the three-day Athletics coaches’ forum and clinic organised by the AFN as part of its ‘Project Rio 2016’ programme last week. He said that this sum will be used to modernise the Port Harcourt High Performance Centre, which has been approved by the world athletics ruling body, IAAF and also to put Nigerian elite athletes at podium performance level.

He added that the AFN is proposing this project in line with directives by Sports Minister, Bolaji Abudulahi to all federations to develop a programme that will see Nigeria winning medals at the next Olympics.

“We are looking up to the NSC to provide funds for the High Performance Centre to take off. Though we have some facilities on the ground at the University of Port Harcourt, we still need five to eight million pounds to get the programme going,” said the widely read and traveled Navy captain.

He stated that there was need for Nigeria to do a rethink and plan for the future after the disappointment of the London 2012 Olympics.

“If we were to be truthful to ourselves you will agree with me that we don’t deserve a medal at the London 2012 Games. We must have to start something now and that is why we are training our coaches and getting them ready for the challenge ahead.

And if we are able to get this project

*Gloria Asumnu competes with Veronica Campbell Brown at the London 2012 Olympics. going by the 2015 world championships in Beijing, China, we should get podium performances. Otherwise we might just forget about Rio 2016,” he stressed.

He stressed that the target of the Rio 2016 project will be to identify athletics talents, select, nurture and expose them, adding that elite athletes’ training programme will also be funded, while coaches and administrators will be trained and updated.

Produce champions for Nigeria, Ogba challenges coaches Coach Afilaka, in his submission fter three days of exposure to urged Nigerian coaches to come A modern athletics coaching together and face the problems techniques, Nigerian coaches have been challenged to work hard and produce medal potentials for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba made the charge during the week while speaking at the Athletics coaches forum/clinic organised by the technical committee of the AFN, towards preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympics. Over 60 coaches attended the event which featured Nigeria-born United Kingdom Athletics coach, Michel Afilaka.

“Our coaches must deliver now that we are exposing them to modern coaching techniques. Before now, most of our coaches lacked the technical know how. This is why the federation took upon itself to organise clinics.

This is the third in the series and besides that, we are encouraging our former athletes and others who are interested to pick IAAF certification.

Good enough we have eight of our coaches who have moved to level three and we are encouraging them to move to the next level,” said Ogba.

confronting them as a united force.

“Nigerian coaches must come together and make things work. There is no use complaining about a bad system, now it is time to work with the system or work without the system.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012—55

5 top golfers fly Nigeria’s flag at the World Finals M

TN World Golfers Championship finals will tee-off on October 27,

2012 in Durban, South Africa.

The event which will feature the crème de la crème in global

AWC: Falcons still favourites for title, says Hamilton

By EDDIE AKALONU

F

ORMER national team coach, Paul Hamilton has predicted that the Super Falcons are still hot favourites to retain the title as the 8th African Women Championship begins tomorrow in Equatorial Guinea. “I have faith in the team to do it once more because in my view, they have had a wonderful preparation unlike what we had in the past. I must commend the NFF for having ensured they camped early and played friendly matches that showed they are ready.

So, if they go in with confidence and discipline, I bet you we will be having the title back here with us because the Falcons remain my favourite team to win. I put them far above the rest,” he stated in Lagos.

Ghana are out of this particular edition, which leaves South Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon as top contenders.

But Hamilton, the former Super Falcons handler, said despite in-roads made by these countries, Nigeria remains the best on the ground that “ we have very good players from the U-17 and U-20 teams who have competed at top international levels and have acquired the experience.”

“I believe they will bring this to bear in this competition. No other country parades such array of quality female players in Africa as Nigeria. I can give you the assurance that if they add confidence and discipline, coupled with the experience and knowledge of the

handlers, no other team can match our girls.” he said.

Nigeria play in Group B and start against Cameroon on Monday and face Ethiopia in the second group game on Thursday November 1, with the last tie billed against Ivory Coast on Saturday, November 4. Host Equatorial Guinea lead Group A with South Africa, Senegal, and Congo DR also in the running for the crown.

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he AWC is the best platform for top female footballers to showcase their skill in hot contest for a title.

Nigeria won the inaugural edition in Abeokuta in 1998 after a 2-0 win over arch rivals, Ghana’s Black Queens and retained it two years later in South Africa, beating the hosts. The match was abandoned in the 73rd minute after Nigeria led 2-0 and the host crowd became unruly.

In 2002, the competition returned to Nigeria, hosted in Warri and Falcons, despite suffering first defeat in Africa 1-0 to Ghana in the preliminary round, came back forcefully to beat the Queens 2-0 in the final for a third title.

With two more triumphs in 2004 (South Africa) and 2006 at home, the Falcons for the first time lost the crown in 2008, having been eliminated 2-1 in the semi final by the host, Equatorial Guinea, who beat South Africa 2-1 in the final.

The Super Falcons had their revenge in the last edition in South Africa beating Equatorial Guinea 4-2 in the final to reclaim the title.

TEAMS Group A: Equatorial Guinea South Africa Senegal Congo DR

Dolphin shocked over loss to Ikeja

Group B Nigeria Cameroon Cote /d’Ivoire Ethiopia LAST TIME … Africa’s most capped female footballer, Perpetua Nkwocha, hopes to impress at this championship and retire thereafter seven appearances.

10-28-2012 10/28/12 10/31/12 10/31/12 11/03/12 11/03/12 10/29/12 10/29/12 11/01/12 11/01/12 11/04/12 11/04/12

E.Guinea Senegal South Africa RD Congo E.Guinea South Africa Nigeria Cote d’Ivoire Cameroon Ethiopia Nigeria Cameroon

14:30 17:30 14:30 16:30 17:30 17:30 14:30 17:30 14:30 17:30 17:30 17:30

South Africa RD Congo Senegal E.Guinea Senegal RD Congo Cameroon Ethiopia Cote d’Ivoire Nigeria Cote d’Ivoire Ethiopia

Kalusha berates African players Z

AMBIA’S greatest player Kalusha Bwalya believes African football is failing to reach its potential because of a “prima donna” attitude from some stars.

The 1988 African Footballer of the Year has urged players to take responsibility for their actions. “I hear so many times that when players come back to play for their respective countries, they want to be treated them like prima donnas,” he told BBC Sport.

“When some Africans become big stars it can lead them to be

ill disciplined.”

During his career Bwalya spent five years at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, so he understands the demands of playing abroad and travelling back to represent his country.

And the 49-year-old believes there is no excuse for players to not respect their national sides - or to continually turn up late for training camps - drawing a comparison with the commitment he himself showed for his club. “When I was at PSV, I was late [for training] maybe twice,” said Bwalya, who made

147 appearances for Zambia and is their most capped player. “Once was because the time was changed and the other because I was caught up at a railway line near the training ground and I had to wait there for 10-15 minutes.

“My question would be ‘why do we as players act one way in Europe - for clubs - and differently for national associations?’

“Why can they not exhibit the same discipline that they have in Europe?”

Bwalya believes it is this discrepancy that is preventing Af-

golf will see Nigeria being represented at the annual event by a five-man team of golf gladiators that just qualified at the rigorous National Finals held in Uyo. The team is made up of Paul Erokoro, who won the National Finals in September, Usenobong Akpabio, Sam Galadima, Emmanuel Onamajuru and Uko Urok, all leaders of their different handicap categories at the National Finals.

Nigeria will square up against other countries in the WGC like Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Macau, Malaysia and Moldova. Others are: The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa (host), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, USA and Vietnam.

The Nigerian contingent who departed the country yesterday proved themselves worthy as a group of representatives after each member won his respective category in Uyo.

rican teams from being the best they can be.

“The African player is the most resistant in the world; he can play in the snow, he can play in 40 degrees, 50 degrees, he can play when it is raining,” Bwalya told BBC’s World Football programme. “He can play in Mexico, he can play in Africa, Asia, everywhere.

“We have the best product but we are not able to nurture that talent. “My coach always used to say that if you have shortcuts in training then it will eventually show on the pitch.

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ast Saturday, the Dolphin Golf Club situated in the Navy Town, Ojo, locked horns with the Ikeja Gof Club. After the titanic battle that raged over 18 holes, the Ikeja Golf Club that has never lost a Matchplay in five years triumphed, thumping Dolphin 7 points to 4.

Before the event, no one gave Dolphin any chance of surviving the power play of the Ikeja pundits. What was however shocking was that Dolphin, greenhorns of sort, if the issue is Matchplay, almost wrestled home to an unbelievable upset. Aside the lack of experience from the Dolphin side, probably the Ikeja team could have been overwhelmed.

“I won’t say we lost to Ikeja”, Dolphin Captain, Commodore SAG Abbah, stated. Continuing, he said, “The scoreline was 7-4.

That was close enough given the fact that we were not given any chance. But this is not reason we lost. I can say we prepared well for the event. But on the day, most of us were forced to stay behind since we have to prepare for the visit of the new Chief of Naval Staff. Those who stayed behind formed the ‘first team’ of our course. Truly I was thinking the game would be played in two days like other Match Plays.

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 27, 2012

Nations Cup: Renard

vows to revenge Eagles 2010 defeat

BY BEN EFE

Z

ambian coach, Herve Renard had wanted to avoid the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the group pairings, but the French-born coach fondly called the Fox, has recalculated his chances as he faced the Eagles that have won all Nations Cup ties against the Chipolopolos.

Renard said after the draw in Durban that his aim will be to top the group and to achieve that Nigeria must have to be beaten.

“We crashed out of the quarterfinals in 2010, we lost to Nigeria. So we have a good chance of revenge against a very good Nigerian team.

“Our target from the group is to finish top and achieve the most important thing which is to reach the quarter final. After that, we can manage to go very far; as far as we can go,” Renard said.

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he Chipolopolo will open the defence of the trophy they won in 2012 against Ethiopia on January 21 and then after they will meet the Eagles in the second group game.

“We must negotiate our opening match against Ethiopia “The opening match is very, very important in a competition so we must treat everyone very

•Odemwingie

seriously.”

However, Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi stated that he will be ready for the Zambia challenge. He said that he was not intimidated by the unpredictable Zambian team.

“I believe that every team that qualified for the Nations Cup are good and are strong contenders for the trophy. So, we’ll prepare for tough battles ahead,” he said.

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he Chipolopolo handler sees South Africa as ‘home’ because they are always there to train for their qualifying matches and so said it will give them the confidence to tackle their opponents during the Nations Cup. “We are almost at home here, so we have to be confident. We are here and will be coming here to make history,” Renard told a Zambian online newspaper.

Today’s matches Aston Villa Arsenal Reading Stoke City Wigan Man City

v v v v v v

Norwich QPR Fulham Sunderland West Ham Swansea

1.45pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 6.30pm

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.Super Falconets (U-20) Striker, Ngozi (6) 4.State in Nigeria Known as the “Liberal State”? (6) 7.Beverage (3) 8.L.G.A. in Rivers State (6) 9.Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Isa (6) 10.Adamawa State Governor, Muritala (5) 13.Akwa United FC Chairman, Isong (5) 15.State in Nigeria Known as “State of Harmony”? (5) 17.Colour (5) 18.Cross River State Governor, Mr. Liyel (5) 20.Vietnamese Capital City (5) 23.L.G.A. In Niger State (5) 26.Mali “Les Aigles” National Coach, Pathe (6) 27.France “Ligue 1” Clubside (6) 28.Cereal Crop, (3) 29.L.G.A. in Kebbi State (6) 30.Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dame Virginia (6)

DOWN 1.Imo State Capital (6) 2.Former Super Eagles Skipper, Jay Jay (6) 3.Country in Europe (5) 4.Eskimo Canoe (5) 5.Delta State Deputy Governor, Dr. Amos (6) 6.Minister of Trade & Investment, Mr. Olusegun (6) 10.Zambian Currency Unit (5) 11.Former Minister of Sports, Stephen (5) 12.L.G.A. in Kogi State (5) 14.Addition Result (3) 16.Greek Alphabet (3) 18.Oyo State Capital (6) 19.Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Sylvanus (6) 21.Igbo Girls Name (6) 22.L.G.A. In Osun State (6) 24.Niger Republic’s First President, Mr. Hamani (5) 25.Number (5)

Group C could be slippery, Erico warns Eagles F

ormer Super Eagles assistant coach, Joe Erico declared that Nigerians would be making a mistake, if they think the Eagles will have an easy ride in the group C pairing of the 2013 Africa Nations Cup. Erico, a former national team goalkeeper who along side Stephen Keshi were assistants to Shaibu Amodu at the Mali 2002 Nations Cup stated that the Eagles will not find it easy with the perceived weaker

teams such as Burkina Faso and most especially Ethiopia.

Nigeria was lumped in group C, which has defending champions, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. This was against predictions that the Eagles will get tougher opponents such as Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire in the preliminary rounds, but Erico a veteran coach warns that that group C is just as slippery as the pronounced group of

•Erico death featuring Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Tunisia

and Algeria.

“There are no minnows again in football, especially in Africa,” sighed Erico.

He urged the Eagles to give equal attention to all the teams in the group.

“So as much as the Eagles will prepare well to face Burkina Faso and Zambia, I want the team to prepare well against Ethiopia and the coaching crew must make sure that they are psychologically ready.”

SOLUTION ON PAGE 54

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C M Y K